KUCHING: A 30-year-old Indonesian waiter was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by the Magistrate’s Court here today (Jul 28) for gambling in a public place.
Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali handed down the sentence on Erwin after he pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which carries a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, upon conviction.
The law also provides for any gaming instruments or appliances seized to be forfeited to the government.
The jail term takes effect from the date of his conviction yesterday (July 28).
According to the facts of the case, a team from the Kuching District Police Headquarters (IPD) Criminal Investigation Department carried out a 15-minute surveillance under Op Dadu before raiding a 24-hour café here at about 3 pm on July 13.
Police found Erwin seated at the café’s counter and arrested him after suspecting him of carrying out online gambling top-up activities using a mobile phone.
Investigations later revealed that Erwin had been gambling in a public place, leading to the charge against him.
Police also seized a mobile phone and RM117 in cash during the operation.
Court documents stated that Erwin, who hails from Kalimantan, Indonesia, had no previous criminal record and tested negative for drugs.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Aqilah Morsalin. Erwin was unrepresented.
