Two men were fined RM1,800 and RM2,800 respectively by the Ayer Keroh Magistrates’ Court today after pleading guilty to placing illegal bets on FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches.
Magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman handed down the sentences to Pang Kang Liang, 29, and Chu Shau Hau, 28, in separate proceedings after both admitted to their respective charges.
Kang Liang was charged with placing an unauthorised bet at a premises along Jalan Suria 1, Taman Malim Jaya at about 10.45pm on June 26.
Meanwhile, Shau Hau faced a similar charge for allegedly committing the offence at the roadside along Jalan KSB 16, Taman Kota Shahbandar at about 12.30am on June 19.
Both men were charged under Section 6(1) of the Betting Act 1953, which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor S Thiviya urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence to serve as a lesson to the accused and others.
However, National Legal Aid Foundation lawyer Goh Jee Chee appealed for lighter fines, highlighting that both accused had no previous criminal records and had saved the court’s time and resources by pleading guilty.
The court was informed that Kang Liang works as a raw chicken supplier earning RM2,000 monthly, while Shau Hau, who recently started working as a property agent, has an unstable income and supports his unemployed wife.
The court fined Kang Liang RM1,800, while Shau Hau was fined RM2,800. Both men would face one month’s imprisonment if they failed to pay the fines.
The two accused have since paid the penalties.
