The Magistrate’s Court in Kota Kinabalu has handed down sentences in two distinct cases involving online gambling activities and the possession of unexplained funds.
The rulings, delivered on Monday, underscore the ongoing efforts by Malaysian authorities to curb illicit financial activities and unauthorized betting operations within the region.
Online Gambling Conviction
In the first case, a 26-year-old woman named Frenneley Eyan entered a guilty plea before Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus. She was charged with engaging in online gambling activities using a mobile phone at a premises identified as KP CAF. The arrest occurred following a police raid conducted at 3:30 PM, where officers observed the accused participating in a “Wa Hui” gambling session.
The prosecution argued that the offense violated Section 9(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. This section carries potential penalties of up to RM5,000 or a prison sentence of up to six months. Upon reviewing the facts and considering the accused’s plea for leniency as a first-time offender, the court imposed a fine of RM1,000 (approximately US$210). A default sentence of two months in prison was set should the fine remain unpaid.
Unexplained Funds Case
In a separate proceeding heard on the same day, 39-year-old Dina Mustika Tahang faced charges regarding financial irregularities. She was fined RM10 (US21) after failing to provide sasatisfactory explanation for the possession of RM1,128(US236) in her bank account. Investigations revealed that the funds actually belonged to another individual, Anjelin Mojumpah.
Dina pled guilty under Section 22A(1) of the Minor Offences Ordinance. This specific provision addresses the possession of money or goods suspected of being fraudulently obtained. The magistrate imposed the minimum monetary penalty, with a default prison term of seven days if the fine is not settled. Inspector Mohamad Hamidi B. Hamzah represented the prosecution in both matters, highlighting the state’s rigorous approach to maintaining financial and social order.
