A Malaysian government spokesman has given internet cafes a month to stop illegal gambling activities — or else!

Nga Kor Ming, Education, Local Government, Housing and Public Transport Committee chairman for the state of Perak, said the cafes were acting like a magnet for children.

Child’s Play
“We’re not saying all cybercafés are operating like gambling dens,” he said. “There are some black sheep that even lend money to students and charge them loan shark interest.”

Nga said he also had reports of children stealing from their parents to pay off their debts.

“We want to tell such cybercafé operators that we are going to close them down immediately,” he said. “No compromises and no appeals.”

In future, operators must adhere to strict guidelines, he added.