Enforcement is still the best way to curb match-fixing, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, as Malaysians are still not “morally ready” for sports betting to be legalised.

In an interview with online sports news site sports247.my , Khairy, however, acknowledged that legalised sports betting could generate a high revenue and eradicate match-fixing up to a point.

“To some extent, it can help eradicate or reduce illegal gambling, although enforcement is still important.

“We had this debate in 2010, and it’s quite clear that the majority of Malaysians are morally not ready for sports betting,” he was quoted saying.

Instead, the sports minister opined that aside enforcement, closer cooperation with authorities such as the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to gather evidence, was needed.

He also reiterated his call for state football associations to form respective integrity committees to serve as an “immediate point of reference” on matters concerning bribery and match-fixing.