Man fined RM2,000 for online gambling using Mega888 app

KUCHING: A 54-year-old man was fined RM2,000 in default two months’ imprisonment by the Magistrates’ Court here today for gambling online in a public place using the Mega888 application.

Bong Chit Miaw pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 before Senior Assistant Registrar Syazwani Sajeli.

The offence carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both, upon conviction.

The charge stated that Bong was found gaming in a public place together with gaming equipment at a food court near Jalan Gold Jade, Kuching, at about 5:05 pm on September 20.

The court heard that police had conducted surveillance at the premises for about 15 minutes before detaining Bong during operations codenamed ‘Ops Dadu’.

Police also seized a Redmi mobile phone, RM210 in cash and a piece of paper containing an identification number and password suspected to be linked to online gambling.

Investigations found that the mobile phone was being used as a gambling device, based on an expert gambling report.

Bong also admitted that he had been operating the gambling device when he was arrested and the items were seized.

The investigation subsequently concluded that he had committed an offence under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

Investigation also revealed that the accused had no previous criminal record and tested negative for drugs.

Deputy Public Prosecutor, Abdurrahman Abrar Jarni, appeared for the prosecution, while Bong was unrepresented.