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Kota Kinabalu: A 25-year-old Filipino was on Tuesday jailed three months for displaying the symbol of an unlawful society.

Mazlan Romie pleaded guilty before Magistrate Marilyn Kelvin to displaying the symbol of “Alpha Kappa Rho”, an organisation not registered under Section 7 of the Societies Act 1966, in front of the General Market along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, here, at 12.30pm on April 23.

The charge under Section 50 of the Societies Act 1966 carries a jail term of up to three months or a fine of up to RM3,000, on conviction.

The court heard from the prosecution that police conducted an “Ops Cantas (Gangsterism)” operation at the location on the day of the incident.

After about 10 minutes of observation, the police team noticed Mazlan behaving suspiciously and approached him for questioning.

Initial investigations revealed that Mazlan voluntarily admitted to being a member of “Alpha Kappa Rho” since Oct 9, 2025.

A physical examination also found a burn mark below his right wrist as a sign of membership in the group.

Police arrested Mazlan and seized a black collared T-shirt bearing the words “Alpha Kappa Rho” on the front and left sleeve, which was worn by him at that time.

A secret society expert later confirmed that the burn mark on Mazlan’s wrist as well as the wording and official logo on the shirt represented the identity of the “Alpha Kappa Rho” group based in Manila, Philippines.

Checks with the Registrar of Societies Malaysia also confirmed that “Alpha Kappa Rho” was not registered in the country.

The court ordered Mazlan to serve the sentence from the date of his arrest and to be referred to the Immigration Department thereafter.

In another case, a 24-year-old woman was fined RM5,000 or jailed six months for buying illegal public lottery tickets.

Mazni Munir admitted before the same court to purchasing five public lottery tickets outside Wong Kee coffeeshop in Donggongon township, Penampang, at 3.30pm on April 28.

The offence under Section 9(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 carries a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both, on conviction.

The prosecution informed the court that a police team conducted an “Ops Dadu” operation at the location and detained Mazni for being involved in illegal public lottery activities.

Police also seized a handphone, a mobile printer, four slips containing betting numbers, one printed answer sheet and one printed number puzzle sheet related to unlicensed “Hua Hui” gambling activities.

Analysis by a gambling expert later confirmed that the seized items were used for games of chance or betting activities.

Inspector Yusdi Basri prosecuted.