State police chief Abdul Samah Mat said action would be taken against the political firebrand should he proceed with his plans to tear down illegal gambling dens, massage parlours and karaokes in the area.
“If there are illegal premises in his area, then he has to follow the law and report the matter and not demolish the premises,” he told FMT.
Abdul Samah was responding to the Sungai Besar Umno division chief’s threat to knock down illegal premises if the police would not.
Jamal had asked the Sabak Bernam district council to take action against illegal establishments in Sekinchan after it partially demolished and sealed Sekin Fishermen Village Hotel & Resort, which Jamal owned, for operating without a licence.
He felt if the council could act against his premises, it should not turn a blind eye to other “illegal activities” taking place in areas under its jurisdiction.
He said everyone was equal under the law and no one should be treated differently.
Abdul Samah said police would act if they received reports from the owners that their premises had been demolished by Jamal.
“My advice is that he refrain from taking any action himself and instead lodge a report (of illegal activity) with the district council or the police, and we will take action.
“If he has lodged reports and the council has failed to act on the matter, then he should look at other means (of bringing illegal activities to light), such as issuing a press statement.”
Abdul Samah said the council’s failure to act did not give Jamal the justification to go ahead and demolish the premises.
“He has no right under the law to demolish the premises.”
Selangor executive councillor for local government, new village development and legalising of factories Ean Yong Hian Wah also warned Jamal against taking the law into his own hands.
“If Jamal has information about illegal operators, he should pass it on to the authorities to take action.”
It was earlier reported that Jamal and his supporters had raided a gaming outlet he claimed was operating illegally in the district.
He then lodged a police report which saw the cops raiding the outlet several hours later.
Jamal had claimed that nine similar outlets were open in the district.
He also said he had rented the necessary machines to tear down these illegal premises.