Puchong: In the wake of stern government action against video game arcades, cyber cafes have been warned not to indulge in gambling and other illegal activities in thier premises.

"Don't think cyber cafes can take the palce of video arcade,"Energy, Communications and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho said.

He said the police and local councils were aware that certain premises provided gambling activities even to schoolchildren.

"We are keeping a close watch on thier activities because we want a healthy environment for the community, especially the children," he said after launching myioi.com - a community website for Puchong residents - developed and maintained by IOI Prpoerties Berhad.

Tan said the Government would monitor cyber cafes to ensure such activities are not carried out there. "We are giving cyber cafes ample warning now and legal action will be taken against them if they violate any of the rules", he said.

Meanwhile in Johor Bharu, Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the state would closely monitor the operations of cyber cafes following the closure of gambling centres and video arcades.

He said that at one time, cyber cafe operating in the city were known to have offered such services but many operators had to close shop as they could not stand the ongoing and constant raids.

He also said the state would set up a special task force to ensure that video arcades adhered strictly to closure order once the two-month grace period ends.

He said apart from the police, the local council, district office, Immigration, Customs and Tenaga Nasional Berhad would be included during operations against such outlets.

"We are especially pleased that Tenaga has been given the authority to cut power supply to such outlets, thus eliminating their chances to reopen the place," Ghani added.