For most people, buying a lottery ticket is simply a shot for them to take in order to achieve overnight riches in an instant. However, some are prohibited from it due to religious reasons.
An elderly man who was receiving a steady stream of financial aid from the government was recently caught by religious authorities in Johor while trying to buy a 4D ticket from a lottery outlet.
Had been gambling for over 40 years
According to a Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) spokesperson, the 75-year-old was nabbed by enforcement officers while placing an RM8 bet at a 4D outlet yesterday (Oct 8), reported NST.
The man told JAINJ officials that he had been gambling for more than 40 years and continued to “try his luck” despite having limited financial means.
“The man said he lives alone in a village house. Enforcement officers later visited his home and confirmed that he has no immediate family members acting as guarantors.
“He is unemployed and relies on a RM600 monthly government assistance. He was previously married but divorced several decades ago,” the statement read.
The man also confessed to JAINJ that he buys 4D tickets each month based on numbers given to him in dreams.
He added that despite knowing gambling is prohibited and pointless, he couldn’t walk away as the habit had become too difficult to break.
The case is now being probed under Section 18 of the Johor Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment, which carries a fine of up to RM3,000, two years in jail, or both upon conviction.
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