KUALA LUMPUR: The police are setting their sights on online syndicates first in an effort to eradicate the scourge of illegal gambling in the country.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim (pic) said a special team had been set up to stamp out illegal gambling activities throughout the country.

"It is the Inspector-General of Police (Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun)'s wish that we work to eradicate all illegal gambling activities," he said at a special press conference in Bukit Aman.

A special committee has been set up for this purpose, aimed at taking more effective action against illegal gambling dens, identify enablers of such activities and take action against all illegal gambling syndicates.

He said illegal gambling is a complex issue that has to be tackled from multiple aspects and requires unconventional approaches.

"Now, it takes place online and their servers are located overseas," he said, adding that the police will also work with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and internet service providers to help them with the technical aspects.

Noor Rashid admitted that the police force had some limitations in their fight against illegal gambling but remained determined to see it through.

"This is why the committee was established – to help us find better ways to tackle the issue," he said.