KUCHING: A 66-year-old café owner was fined RM3,000 or in default six months’ imprisonment by the Magistrate’s Court here today for operating an entertainment-centred business without a valid licence from the local authority.
Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan imposed the sentence after Binel Noyem pleaded guilty to a charge read out to him by the court interpreter.
Binel was charged under Section 5(1) of the Entertainment Ordinance 2000, punishable under Section 5(3) of the same ordinance, for providing and operating entertainment at a café along Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce without a licence from the local authority at about 11.40 pm on December 12, 2025.
The offence carries a maximum fine of RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, a team from the Kuching Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department carried out a raid at the premises during Ops Noda after receiving information that the café was operating as an entertainment centre without a licence.
During the raid, police found 15 patrons inside the premises who were engaged in entertainment activities.
Further checks revealed that the owner failed to produce any valid licence or permit issued by the local authority to operate an entertainment centre.
Police also seized several items, including loudspeakers and musical equipment, during the operation.
Investigations revealed that the accused was operating a café licensed to sell and serve food and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, but had introduced live music performances and karaoke to attract customers without the necessary licence or permit.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor, Ahmad Fauzulutfi Suariani. The accused was not represented by legal counsel.
