Two Malaysian women were among eight people arrested in Australia over a World Cup betting operation believed to have emanated from Asia.

According to Bernama , the eight have had their tourist visas cancelled and are awaiting deportation at Sydney's Villawood Detention Centre.

The two women from Malaysia, aged 22 and 23, and six men from Hong Kong, aged between 24 and 46, were arrested in a hotel in Pitt Street in central Sydney about 8.45am yesterday.

The police operation, headed by the Southeast Asian Crime Squad, seized over A$20,000 in cash as well as computers, networking equipment, calculators, mobile phones and documents from the three hotel rooms.

Police alleged that the eight flew to Australia three days ago as part of an organised sports betting operation with Asian links.

Charged in court

All eight were charged with unlicensed bookmaking under the Unlawful Gambling Act.

An Immigration Department spokesperson said all eight had been transferred to the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre where arrangements were being made for their removal from Australia.

The eight are due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on July 4.

In a related development, two men were charged in the Penang Magistrate's Court today with taking bets on football matches.

Chan Wei-Wei, 26 and Khoo Poh Beng, 30, pleaded not guilty to committing the offence at a restaurant in Jalan Ansaon at about 12.30am two days ago.

Magistrate Ainul Shahrin Mohamad fixed bail at RM3,000 each pending trial on Dec 12.