Malaysia: 14 Charged for Managing Illegal Gambling Premises

Fourteen individuals have been charged in Kota Kinabalu for allegedly managing an illegal gambling operation. All accused have pleaded not guilty as magistrates set bail between RM1,200 and RM3,000.

According to the Daily Express Malaysia, the defendants — including both Malaysian citizens and one foreign national — were charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which penalizes the management of unlicensed gambling venues. If convicted, they face fines of up to RM 50,000 and imprisonment for up to three years.

Magistrate Wan Farrah Farhana Wan Asrul Bahri granted bail of RM1,200 each for most defendants, with the exception of Zhou Pan, whose bail was set at RM 3,000. Additional defendants, including Wong Jun Kai, Jonathan Johnny, Emily Chia Su Jie, and Rebekah Wong Chee En, were each granted bail of RM 1,500.

In a related hearing, five other individuals appeared before Magistrate Marilyn Kelvin and were released on bail ranging between RM 1,200 and RM 1,500, under the condition that they report to investigators monthly.

Prosecutors initially requested bail of RM 10,000 per person, but the court accepted the defense’s argument that the accused had cooperated fully and maintained permanent local addresses. The next mention dates were set for November 25 and December 3.

Authorities stated that this case is part of ongoing enforcement actions against unlicensed gaming operations across Malaysia, as the government continues its crackdown on illegal gambling activity nationwide.