KUCHING: A manager and the owner of an entertainment outlet were each fined RM4,000 on default three months imprisonment by the Magistrate’s Court here today for operating a public entertainment premises without a valid licence.
Magistrate Leona Dominic Mojiliu imposed the fine on Brian Ngiam Tee Kiat, 53, and Tan Jia Perng, 44 after they admitted to the charge under Section 5(1) of the Entertainment Ordinance 2000, punishable under Section 5(3) of the same Ordinance, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
The provision carries a penalty of a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both upon conviction.
According to the charge, the duo, acting together, had provided entertainment facilities similar to a pub without a licence at a bar near RH Plaza, Jalan Lapangan Terbang, at about 11.50 pm on May 19.
Facts of the case revealed that a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters conducted an inspection under Op Noda at the premises on the night of May 19.
After identifying themselves as police officers, the enforcement team inspected the premises and found that it was operating as an entertainment centre without a valid entertainment licence.
Ngiam, who was identified as the premises manager, and Tan, the owner of the establishment, were subsequently arrested.
Police also seized several items from the premises, including a Sharp television set, a monitor screen, a Yamaha mixer, a speaker, a microphone and a sales receipt.
Investigations further established that the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) had not issued any entertainment licence for Perfect Nine Caf to operate as an entertainment centre.
Based on the findings, both accused were charged for managing and owning an entertainment premises that was operating without the required licence.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Fauzulutfi Suriani prosecuted the case. Both accused were unrepresented.
