Gambling rife in Palu

PALU, Central Sulawesi : Head of the Central Sulawesi branch of the United Development Party H.M. Nawir expressed his disappointment yesterday with the local government's failure to eradicate gambling.

"The party has strongly urged the government to get rid of gambling because it is forbidden by religion," he said.

He said that the Moslem-based party has found gambling activities reaching an alarming level in the capital.

Gambling activities have been taking place in such public places as Hasanuddin Mall, where the games are disguised as games with prizes.

Some beauty parlors and billiard centers have been used gambling dens, which are guarded by thugs, Antara reported. (05)