The authorities have launched a crackdown on prostitution and gambling after an intensive nationwide drive against pirated and pornographic VCDs was hailed as a success, police officials said today.

Police squads have started raiding illegal entertainment venues, gaming and slot machine outlets, drug distribution and prostitution rings, a police source said.

In late May, authorities came down hard on the makers and distributors of pirated and pornographic VCDs, with police chief Norian Mai ordering police to wipe out the industry in two weeks.