MIRI: A magistrates’ court here yesterday fined 13 men RM800 each in default one month in jail after they pleaded guilty to illegal gambling in a public place.
Ong Hak Guan (59), Chong Kok Kuang (36), Chong Kok Wan (32), Chen Ah Pin (37), Kho Sze Sian @ Kho Sze Kian (34), Leong Tze Zean (48), Tsen Hon Min (46), Phang Voon Fui (47), Donald Yong Khon Wei (40), Tay Xing Nam (21), and Tsen Hon Wei (49) from Miri; Chan Poh Song (42) from Sarikei, and Willy Sim Sze Wei (40) from Kuching were caught playing pai gow last Friday (Feb 2).
They were charged under Section 6(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which provides for a maximum fine of RM5,000, or up to six months in prison, or both. Senior assistant registrar Md Syafique Md Hilmie imposed the penalties after taking into consideration many aspects including their guilty plea and mitigation, facts of the case, seriousness of the case, and public interest. They committed the offence at a Krokop 10 Road premises at 5.55pm.
According to the facts of the case, acting on information received, a team from the Miri Central police station raided the place and arrested the 13. During the raid, police also seized pai gow paraphernalia as case exhibits.
Insp Mohd Khairi Mohd Noor prosecuted while all 13, who were not represented, paid their fines.