DAP leaders Tony Pua and Anthony Loke rubbished MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu's claim that the local authorities should control illegal gambling in cybercafes.

NONE Pua ( right ), who is the DAP national publicity secretary, said that Gan had misdirected his calls to the local councils to control cybercafes.

"Local councils only have authority to issue business licences. And even during a raid, a local council can only confiscate the equipment for two days and then it has to be returned to the owner. That is the extent of their responsibilities," Pua explained to reporters in Parliament today.

Gan should instead ask the police to step up enforcement, according to Pua.

"It is the federal agency's job, not local councils because they do not have the power to prosecute these parties," he added.

NONE Loke, who is the Rasah MP, concurred and added that controlling illegal gambling is the responsibility of the police.

Earlier Loke ( left ) revealed a written answer to his oral question dated June 23.

He had asked the Home Ministry to state if they realised that illegal gambling in cybercafes is rampant, what are the steps taken to curb it and how many arrests have been made this year.

The ministry had replied that they had taken action against individuals and syndicates, conducted raids in suspected premises and also worked with schools to curb students' involvement.

The ministry also provided that 1,685 people were arrested from January to April this year.

Meanwhile, Loke noted that Gan, who is also the deputy youth and sports minister, had been adamant that sports betting be legalised.

"But his position is not in line with the government which is now against it. So as a man of principle, is he willing to relinquish his office?," Loke asked.