The suspects, aged between 22 and 43, are believed to be football bookies, according to State Police Chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat. The value of the betting limit credit has reportedly exceeded RM1m ($223,214).

“Police also confiscated cash amounting to RM9,730 and 10 handphones of various brands as well as SIM cards and a memo notepad containing suspected betting on the World Cup Qatar 2022 football tournament,” said Mamat.

“All suspects are being remanded between two and four days from today.

“The case is being investigated under Section 6 (3) of Betting Act 1953, which provides for a fine of not more than RM200,000 and imprisonment for not more than five years if convicted.”

All of the suspects have also been investigated under Section 6 (1) and Section 4 (1) (D) of the Betting Act 1953.

“The success of this operation is largely the result of intelligence conducted by Johor police as well as complaints and information received from the public,” added Mamat, who called on all parties with any related information on gambling activities to report it to police.

In other World Cup gambling news this week, an Australian bettor has lost AU$160,000 (US$106,000) after placing a wager on Argentina to beat Saudi Arabia. The minnows defeated the South American giants 2-1 on Tuesday.

Australian operator TAB confirmed after the game that a bet of AU$160,000 had been made by an unnamed gambler.