KUCHING: A 31-year-old entertainment centre owner was fined RM2,000 or one month’s imprisonment by the Magistrates’ Court today for operating his premises beyond the hours allowed by the authorities.
Lai Tzin Khoon pleaded guilty before Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan to a charge under Regulation 24 of the Entertainment By-Laws 2001, which carries a penalty under Regulation 28 of the same law.
He was found to have allowed his premises along Jalan Canna to operate past the permitted hours set by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) at about 9:15 am on November 28.
According to the facts of the case, police personnel conducting an ‘Ops Noda Pusat Hiburan’ inspection arrived at the premises and heard loud disco music blasting from inside.
The officer instructed the DJ to stop the music and turn on the lights before checks revealed that although the premises had a valid entertainment licence, it was operating beyond allowed hours.
Further investigation confirmed that Lai, as the owner, had full control over the management and activities at the premises.
Deputy Public Prosecutor, Muhammad Aidil Akmal Sharidan, prosecuted, while Lai was represented by a lawyer.
