BUTTERWORTH: Police here have arrested 10 individuals for gambling and issued compound notices to another 10 for spectating in mahjong and poker sessions.

       The spectators were caught gathering and flouting standard operating procedures (SOP), as the state is under Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

       North Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Noorzainy Mohd Noor said the 10 arrested around 12.10am on Saturday (Sept 11) for gamblingh were between ages 20 and 40.

       "A total of 20 people were found gathered when our Covid-19 Ops task force team raided the premises.

       "Among them, 10 were gambling while the other 10 were watching.

       "We arrested the 10 individuals who were gambling and seized RM8,514 of cash.”

       He said police also confiscated two wooden tables, nine plastic chairs, 66 chips, 52 poker cards and four dice.

       "All 20 of the individuals tested negative for drugs in their urine tests.

       "The 10 arrested will be investigated under Section 6(1) of the Open Gaming House Act 1953.

       "The other 10 spectators were issued compound notices under Regulation 16(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease Regulations 2021,” he added.