Kota Kinabalu: The Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday fined an entertainment premises RM4,500, or in default, eight months’ jail, for operating a public entertainment premises without a valid licence.
Grace Debra Anson, 39, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Marilyn Kelvin to the offence at the Shelter Bar & Café, Padimas Point, Penampang, on Aug 24 at 1.45am.
The offence, under Section 3 of the Public Entertainment Ordinance 1958 and punishable under Section 11, carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, up to one year’s imprisonment, or both.
Prosecution told the court that police raided the premises on the said date, finding customers present and karaoke activities ongoing.
Several items were seized during the raid.
Investigations revealed that while Anson held a valid café licence to sell food and beverages, she did not possess a public entertainment licence for the venue.
Unrepresented, Anson requested a minimal fine, explaining that she had no income after the premises closed and was still supporting her young children.
She also applied for the return of the seized items, which the court granted.
In a separate case, a man was fined RM25 for threatening behaviour.
Syed Hashim Zamrin pleaded guilty before Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus to behaving in a threatening manner towards Nona Wee on June 4 at 9am in Kg Sembulan Lama.
The offence, under Section 8(1)(e) of the Sabah Minor Offences Ordinance, carries a RM25 fine.
Prosecution said the complainant reported that her son, Syed, had acted violently by breaking kitchen items and damaging household equipment, causing concern for her family’s safety.
Police investigations confirmed the threat, and Syed was arrested later that day.
