Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would be meeting menteri besar and chief ministers over upsurge in illegal gambling outlets.

He said the visit to each state would enable the Home Ministry to garner support from the menteri besar or chief minister in combating illegal gambling with the cooperation of local authorities such as ceasing issuance of licences for family entertainment centres.

"I believe the state governments, including those under the opposition, will support the Home Ministry and the police's efforts in combating illegal gambling that brought increasingly serious social problems in the society.

"The problem (illegal gambling) is worsening, particularly in Selangor," he said at the breaking of fast with Home Ministry employees at the Kedah Police Contingent Headquarters here Sunday.

Present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Khalid Sharif, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Kedah police chief Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim.