Kota Kinabalu: Fourteen individuals were fined a total of RM14,000 by the Magistrate’s Court here, Tuesday, after pleading guilty to participating in online gambling activities at a premises in Wisma Merdeka last year.
The accused – Chin Chu Fieng, 29; Chong Tze Yong, 33; Wong Jun Kai, 21; Ng Wei Tyng, 38; Desmond Chong Khee Vun, 23; Jonathan Johnny, 25; Ng Lun Feng, 23; Jack Fung Yee Chung, 28; Emily Chia Su Jie, 27; Goh Kah Qian, 22; Raven Tang Leong Hong, 24; Rebekah Wong Chee En, 20; Joshua Chong Tet Rong, 22; and Zhou Pan, 38, a Chinese national – entered their pleas before Magistrate Marilyn Kelvin.
Each was fined RM1,000, or one month’s jail if the fine is not paid.
They were charged under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 for gambling in a public place at an employment agency located on the sixth floor of Phase 2, Wisma Merdeka. The offence was committed at about 2.40pm on Oct 2, 2025.
According to the prosecution, a police team acting on intelligence under “Op Dadu – Calling Centre” conducted a raid at the premises on Dec 2, 2025. During the operation, officers found all 14 individuals seated at computers, working as customer service handlers and promoters for online gambling activities via messaging platforms such as Google Chat and BoChat.
Investigations revealed that the premises was being used as a “calling centre” to promote online gambling websites. Authorities seized all equipment used in the operation and brought it to the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters for further investigation.
An expert report later confirmed that the seized devices were used to manage and facilitate online gambling operations, including handling customer accounts, processing bets and managing payouts.
The platforms were found to operate on a “game of chance” system, allowing users to convert accumulated points into cash or prizes of monetary value.
Defence counsel Luke Ressa Balang, representing all 14 accused, appealed for leniency, noting that they were first-time offenders, had pleaded guilty early, and did not profit from the activities.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Ronnie Anthony urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, citing the seriousness of the offence, its prevalence, and its broader social impact.
The court ultimately imposed fines on all 14 individuals, underscoring the authorities’ continued efforts to clamp down on illegal online gambling activities in the state.
