KUCHING: A 29-year-old man was fined RM2,000, in default two months’ imprisonment, by the Magistrates’ Court here today for engaging in online gambling at a public place last month.
Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan meted out the sentence on Awie Ahmad after he pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
The offence carries a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both, upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, Awie was found gambling at about 4:20 pm on April 13 at a cafe near Jalan Canna, Tabuan Tranquility.
A police team conducting ‘Ops Dadu’ arrested the accused after suspecting him of carrying out online gambling activities at the premises.
Investigations revealed that the accused had used a Redmi mobile phone to participate in the gambling activity.
Police also seized a printed paper slip containing identification details and passwords believed to be linked to the gambling activity.
A gambling expert’s report later confirmed that the mobile phone seized from the accused contained evidence of online gambling activity.
The accused, from Kampung Tanjong Bundong, Kota Samarahan, was also found to have no prior criminal record and tested negative for drugs.
Previously, last March, he had also been fined RM2,800, in default three months’ imprisonment, by the Magistrates’ Court here for engaging in online gambling.
The prosecution was conducted by Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin.
