Johor police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the suspects were aged between 17 and 65 and police also confiscated various items including mobile phones and laptops besides cash amounting to RM42,535.

“All those detained were remanded between two and four days to assist in investigations,” he told a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters here today.

Ayob Khan added that all the bookies arrested were from different gambling syndicates and operated in premises and residences around the state, especially in the Johor Bahru district.

He said the investigations were being conducted under Sections 6 (3), 6 (1) and 4 (1) (d) of the Betting Act 1953. Betting on football matches is illegal in Malaysia.

The month-long football fiesta ended on Sunday (early Monday morning in Malaysia) with Italy defeating England 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the final after the match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.