KUCHING: A man has been fined RM2,500, in default two months’ imprisonment, by the Magistrate’s Court here today (Mar 31) for gambling in a public place using an online application.
Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan meted out the sentence on Mohamad Nizam Daud, 35, after he pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
The provision carries a penalty of a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both, upon conviction.
The court heard that the accused committed the offence on Feb 22, at about 12pm in front of a popular eatery, Jalan Perimat, Bintawa Industrial Estate here.
He was found allegedly engaging in online gambling activities in a public place using a mobile phone installed with the 918Kiss application.
Based on police investigations, the application operates as a game of chance where users purchase points to participate in gambling activities, with winnings convertible into cash through the platform operator.
Police also seized a mobile phone and a piece of paper containing suspected gambling identification details during the operation.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Fauzultfi Suriani conducted the prosecution, while Mohamad Nizam was unrepresented.
