Johor Baru: Cybercafes will not be allowed to install software for gambling-related games in their computers under a proposal by the city counsel. the proposal submitted to the state government recently, is intended to tighten control over cybercafes and prevent the abuse of permits, council public relations assistant director Sulaiman Hassan said yesterday.

The move comes after a number of 'virtual casinos' were found operating in the guise of cybercafes in town, offerinf on screen versions of betting and gambling gamessuch as blackjack and horse racing. 'We are now proposing to ban the installation of certain games-related software at the cybercafes. We also propose to get the help of the police in verifying the businesses that take place under the licenses issued', Sulaiman said.

It is believed that constant raids on slot machine and video arcade premises have forced the operators to switch to cybercafes which have yet to come under the scrutiny of enforcement officers. The councill approves 208 licences yearly but a big surge in applications was recorded in November when 124 poured in.

Sulaiman said there were no specific guidelines at present for approving and monitoring the licences for cybercafes. 'We approved many licences for operating cybercafes under the 1981 bylaws on trades, businesses, industries and professions, in the good faith of promoting IT knowledge and culture. 'However, some parties have abused this to operate illegal and unhealthy activities, such as gambling and prnography ,' he said.