Man in Kuching fined RM1,000 for illegal betting during Euro championship

KUCHING (July 31): The Magistrates’ Court here today fined a man RM1,000 in default three months in jail for engaging in illegal betting during the UEFA European Football Championship 2024 in June.

Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan imposed the fine against Eddy Hazizi Zailani, 32, after he pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 6(1) of the Betting Act 1953.

The Section provides a fine not more than RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, upon conviction.

Eddy committed the offence at a premises in Siburan, Jalan Kuching-Serian here at around 7.35pm on June 15.

Based on the facts of the case, police carried out a raid codenamed Ops Soga X and detained Eddy on suspicion of involvement in illegal football betting.

Seized during the raid were a mobile phone, RM164 in cash, and a piece of paper listing the match schedule for the championship.

Insp Merylene Lindan Andrew Mang prosecuted the case, while Eddy was unrepresented.