41 men arrested in Perak cockfighting raid, RM114,211 seized

IPOH: Police have crippled an illegal cockfighting syndicate and arrested 41 men during a raid on an orchard hut in Papan, near Batu Gajah, yesterday.

Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the operation at around 7pm was led by the D7 Division of the Perak contingent police headquarters Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with assistance from the Perak IPK CID D9 Division, the Batu Gajah police headquarters Criminal Investigation Division, and the Perak Veterinary Services Department.

He said those arrested included a 50-year-old local man who claimed to be the organiser and owner of the premises, alongside two other individuals believed to be acting as a referee and an organiser's assistant.

"During the raid, police also seized several items along with cash amounting to RM114,211 believed to be related to the activity. Results of the investigation found that this gambling activity had been operating since early 2026, and the betting stakes were detected to reach up to RM20,000 for a single round," he said in a statement tonight.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 6(1) of the Open Gaming Houses Act 1953, Section 32 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Consequently, he said firm action without compromise will continue to be taken against any individuals or groups involved in illegal gambling activities as well as animal cruelty. - BERNAMA