KUCHING: A local man was fined RM1,500, in default a month in jail, by the Magistrate’s Court here today (Apr 28) for gambling using a smartphone in a public place last month.
Alan Gomes Lewlin, 44, pleaded guilty to the charge read before Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nadzwa Radzali.
He was charged under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which carries a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both, upon conviction.
According to the charge, he was found engaging in public gambling using a mobile phone at a coffee shop along Jalan Moyan, Batu Kawa, at about 8.50 pm on March 16.
Facts of the case showed that a police team conducted a raid at the premises following information on suspected online gambling activities.
The accused was arrested while playing an online gambling game on his smartphone.
Police also seized a piece of paper containing login details and RM40 in cash.
Investigations found that the device contained online gambling bets without a valid licence, as confirmed by a gambling expert’s report.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Afiq Safly Nor Kazly, while the accused was unrepresented.
