Kota Kinabalu: A man was fined RM1,900, in default one month’s imprisonment, by the Magistrate’s Court here on Thursday for placing bets on the 2026 FIFA World Cup through an online gambling platform.
Magistrate Wan Farrah Farriza Wan Ghazali imposed the sentence on Mohammad Fithrie Lo Chun Kit, 26, who pleaded guilty to committing the offence at about 8.40 pm on July 19 near a Bus Stop in Likas.
The offence under Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953 carries a maximum punishment of a fine up to RM5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both upon conviction.
The prosecution told the court that a team from the D7 Gambling Investigation Division of Kota Kinabalu police conducted an operation at the area following information received and inspected Mohammad Fithrie’s mobile phone.
Investigation found that the phone was logged into an active account on an online gambling website for the purpose of placing bets on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A gambling expert later confirmed that the website contained elements of online gambling.
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The court was also told that Mohammad Fithrie admitted to participating in the activity. Police also seized the mobile phone and RM250 cash during the operation.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Akash Singh appeared for the prosecution.
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