Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has instructed the police to arrest and jail gambling kingpins who sponsor political parties.

Without elaborating or mentioning the names of the political parties, Ahmad Zahid said this is a concern raised by the various communities.

"Use the law, arrest and jail them," Ahmad Zahid told the police during a buka puasa event in Balik Pulau.

Zahid said crimes related to gambling was the highest in Penang, urging state police chief Chuah Ghee Lye to focus on the area.