I wish to highlight a certain matter and I am certain that large percentage of the gaming community in Malaysia would agree with me. It concerns the sale of four-digit numbers by the various numbers forecast operators in the country.

It is a well-known fact among all punters that these gaming companies halt the sale of certain numbers for reasons best known to themselves. Ask for that particular number and you will be told by the outlet operator: 'Sold out'.

Why should any number be 'sold out'? All numbers in any permutation should be available for punters to bet on. Allow me to relate an incident. On Jan 26, I placed a RM5 bet on the number 5656 at the Taman Sri Serdang branch in Selangor. There wasn't a problem.

However, on Jan 29, when I wanted to place a bet for the same amount on the same number at the same outlet, I was told that the number had been 'sold out'. And needless to say, as in the proverbial one that got away, 5656 came out as first prize for the gaming operator's draw that day, a Saturday.

It is ridiculous that punters who want to bet on their favorite number are disallowed from doing so. I have written to the gaming operator concerned but have yet to receive an explanation.

Which brings me to the wider issue of control and regulation of the multi-billion ringgit gaming industry in Malaysia involving numbers forecast operators (Magnum, Sports Toto, Dai Ma Cai etc), the Genting casino operator, the Big Sweep lottery operator, horse racing by the various Turf Clubs and not forgetting the numerous lucky draws and contests advertised daily.

While the Treasury has officials to monitor gaming operations, it is not known if they are ensuring that the latter's modus operandi are governed by rules and regulations with the consumer being given a fair and even chance.

Does the government know exactly how the sales figures of gaming companies are derived? Do the officials have an adequate understanding of the technology utilised in gaming operations? Are the gaming companies themselves fully transparent with regards to government enquiries on their backroom operations? Is there a specialised body to monitor all these areas with its main concern being the end consumer's protection? If no, why not? If yes, what haven't we heard of such a body or its findings?

It would also be in the best interests of gaming companies if they themselves would come forward and explain the various aspects of their operations to their clients. After all, a clean, transparent and fair gaming operation that is informative about the technical aspects of its operations can only encourage one thing - more customers.