KUCHING: A 33-year-old man was fined RM1,500, or one month’s imprisonment in default, by the Magistrates’ Court here today for gambling at a public place in February this year.
Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali imposed the sentence on Mckenzie Jipol after he pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming House Act 1953.
The offence carries a penalty of a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment of up to five months, or both upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, the offence was committed on February 28 at about 10.30 pm at a food premises near Malihah Jaya along Jalan Matang, Batu Kawa, where the accused was found gambling using a smartphone.
A police team from the Padawan Police Headquarters (IPD) Task Force conducted a check on the accused who was alone at the premises at the time.
An initial inspection of his mobile phone revealed elements of online gambling.
He was subsequently arrested, and several items believed to be linked to the offence were seized, including a Vivo mobile phone, a piece of paper containing login details, and RM56 in cash.
Investigations further revealed that the accused admitted to engaging in online gambling at the premises.
The prosecution was conducted by Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin, while the accused was unrepresented.
