Fined RM2,500 for operating entertainment centre illegally

KUCHING: The manager of an entertainment centre was fined RM2,500 in default of one month in jail by the Magistrate’s Court here today for operating without a valid entertainment license from the local authorities.

Alexster, 21, from Belawai, pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 5(1) of the Entertainment Ordinance 2000, which was read by an interpreter before Magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi.

According to the charge, he was accused of operating an entertainment centre without a licence at a premises on Jalan Setia Raja, around 10.20 pm on September 9 this year.

He could be fined not exceeding RM20,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both, upon conviction.

According to the facts of the case, a police team conducted a raid on an entertainment centre believed to be operating without a licence.

Upon inspection, it was found that the said entertainment centre was in operation with ten customers enjoying music that was being played.

Further investigation revealed that the premises was operating without a valid entertainment license from the local authorities.

The manager of the premises was also detained along with musical equipment for further action and investigation.

The prosecution was handled by prosecuting officer Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin, while the accused was not represented by a counsel.