MARAN, MALAYSIA: He had just opened his business and was busy entertaining his first customers when a team of policemen put an end to his venture.

The team led by Inspector Muhammad Rizman Ramly seized 15 slot machines worth RM200,000 at the illegal gambling centre and arrested its 29-year-old owner and four patrons aged between 28 and 43.

District police chief Deputy Superintendent Ahmad Johari Shahabudin said the team had been conducting surveillance on the premises since the slot machines arrived on Sunday before moving in at 4.30pm the following day.

"The owner had spent the entire Monday morning setting up his machines before opening for business about 3pm.

"We also seized RM205 cash, a pouch and three pairs of keys for the slot machines."

Johari said police also recovered 12 dolls.

"The dolls were used by customers to redeem cash won from the slot machines.

"The owner used this tactic to avoid detection."

Johari said the owner, from Pekan, would be remanded till today, while the four patrons, from Sungai Jerik here, have been released on police bail.