PHNOM PENH, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia has sought the release of 47 Malaysians held in Cambodia for allegedly involving in illegal online gambling operations, according to a Malaysian foreign ministry's statement.
The statement dated Thursday and posted on the ministry's website on Friday confirmed the detention of 47 Malaysians in Poipet City in northwestern Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province since Dec. 11 for allegedly running illegal online gambling operations.
It added that notification of the arrests was given verbally by the police on Dec. 28.
"Following the notification, officers from the Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh made a consular visit to the detainees to ensure their wellbeing after receiving detailed information and approval from the local authorities," the statement said. "The visit revealed that most of the detainees were offered jobs with an attractive pay."
It added that officers from the embassy had a meeting with the prison officials and the judge of this case.
"The Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh had brought this matter to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia via Diplomatic Note to release the detainees," the statement said.
It added that the Malaysian foreign ministry through its embassy in Phnom Penh is closely monitoring the case and prepared to render the necessary consular assistance accordingly.
