KUCHING: A 26-year-old man was fined RM1,500, in default one month’s imprisonment, by the Magistrates’ Court here today (July 21) after pleading guilty to gambling online in a public place.
Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali imposed the sentence on Zhullfaiza Abu Bakar, who admitted to the offence under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which carries a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5,000, or both, upon conviction.
According to the charge, Zhullfaiza was found gambling in a public place at about 5.02pm on July 8 near King Centre, Jalan Simpang Tiga, here.
The facts of the case showed that a police raiding team conducting an operation at a food court noticed the accused behaving suspiciously while engaging in online gambling in the public area.
After identifying themselves, police inspected Zhullfaiza and seized an Oppo mobile phone believed to have been used to access an online football betting platform linked to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
Police also seized RM50 in cash believed to be proceeds from the betting activity.
The mobile phone and other seized items were sent for forensic examination by a gambling expert, whose analysis confirmed the presence of elements of computerised gambling as defined under Section 2 of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
Following investigations, Zhullfaiza was charged under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Aidil Akmal Sharidan. Zhullfaiza was unrepresented.
