Illegal betting outlets, colloquially known as ‘kedai mesin kuda’, have been "ordered" to cease operations nationwide, according to a report by Nanyang Siang Pau .

The report does not disclose who issued the order, but suggests that the move was political and linked to the current “festive season”.

An industry source told the daily that enforcement authorities had said that illegal gambling outlets caused social problems, particularly during the current festive season.

The matter was debated during the last Dewan Rakyat session and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had promised to take action.

The report claimed that the industry’s “top leader” in the Klang Valley was ordered on Thursday night to close his outlets permanently.

This has created a domino effect in areas outside of the Klang Valley. The report quoted a source saying the operators are not expected to return to business soon, unlike in previous enforcement attempts.

The source warned that the sudden closure of such outlets would cause an unemployment crisis, as there are thousands of outlets operating in Kuala Lumpur alone.

The source warned that those laid off may resort to crime to survive.

Checks in Bangsar Utama, Mega Mendung Complex in Jalan Kelang Lama and parts of Jalan Kuchai Lama revealed that all ‘kedai mesin kuda’ outlets have been closed.