Its secretary, Mohammad Salezan Mohd Salleh, said the individuals involved also laid down terms for the premises to operate full-time and assured the owners that the gambling activities and areas would be protected by certain parties.

“The association has received reports from several traders claiming that online gambling is going on at business premises, especially in restaurants around the city.

“We are aware that businesses, including restaurant operators, are experiencing a decline in earnings and that they have to bear the monthly rental of their premises.

“As a result, the gambling kingpins are taking this opportunity to expand their operations,” he said in a statement here today.

He said the association viewed these allegations seriously and hoped that the authorities, especially the police, would investigate and take stern action should such activities exist.

Salezan urged the business community, especially restaurant owners in the city, not to take the easy way out by bowing to the demands of these gambling kingpins as this would not solve their problem and would eventually ruin their business.

“We fear that if this situation remains unchecked, it will cause social problems, family distress and disintegration, and eventually disrupt society and the country,” he added.