Fined for online gambling using cellphone

KOTA KINABALU: A boatman was fined RM2,000, in default, three months jail by the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday for indulging in online gambling using a cellphone.

Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie imposed the fine on Eljim Jailani, 26, after he pleaded guilty as charged under Section 7 (2) of the Common Gaming House Act 1953, which carries a fine of up to RM5,000 or a maximum jail term of six months or both, upon conviction.

Prosecuting officer Inspector Suzie@Stephanie Kupit told the court that the accused was nabbed for indulging in online gambling in front of a premises at the city area on March 27.

The prosecution explained that the accused was arrested by the police at the said place and following an analysis conducted on the accused’s cellphone, an expert report showed that the gadget was a gambling machine as defined under Section 2 of the Common Gaming House Act 1953.

In a separate case, an entertainment outlet owner was fined RM3,000, in default, three months’ jail by the same court here for operating the premises without a license.

Yuan Siong Moi @ Jenneyfer Niam, 48, had pleaded guilty to a charge framed under Section 3 of the Public Entertainment Ordinance 1958 punishable under Section 11 of the same Act.

The indictment carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or a jail term of up to one year, or both, upon conviction.

The accused was apprehended at the premises at Jalan Kepayan Kobusak on March 15.