Seven fined RM1,000 each for defying MCO

PETALING JAYA: Seven people who gathered to gamble during the movement control order (MCO) were fined RM1,000 each by a magistrate’s court here.

Alias Ibrahim, 53, Mohd Shahrizan Ma’il, 34, Abdul Amin Ahmad, 36, Shahrul Amir Dzulkefri, 27, and three Indonesian women Irudri Puspita Sari, 30, Ani Sumarni, 35, and Rahmatilawati, 32, had pleaded guilty to violating the MCO by gathering at an apartment unit, Blok K, Pangsapuri Vista, Jalan PJU 10/3, Damansara Damai, near here at 8.50pm on April 3.

The offence under Rule 6(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020 carries a maximum RM1,000 fine and up to six months jail, or both, if convicted.

Magistrate Nurshahirah Abdul Salim ordered that the seven offenders be jailed two months if they fail to pay the fine.

Irudri and Rahmatilawati were also sentenced to six months in jail for failing to produce valid documents at the same place and time.

The offence under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Amendment 2002) carries a RM10,000 fine or up to five years in jail or both, upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor P. Vithiya Monisha asked the court for a just sentence to serve as a lesson for the accused. Lawyer Dinesh Ramachandran, who represented the group, asked for a lenient sentence.