Malaysian court fines man for online World Cup betting
The charge was brought under Section 7(2) of Malaysia’s Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
Malaysia.- A Malaysian magistrates’ court has fined a 26-year-old man RM1,500 (US$350) for placing online bets on 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The charge was brought under Section 7(2) of Malaysia’s Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which provides for a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5,000 ($1,170), or both upon conviction.
Zhullfaiza Abu Bakar pleaded guilty to the offence before Magistrate Nur Syaheeqa Nazwa Radzali yesterday (July 21). The court ordered that he serve one month’s imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine.
According to court proceedings, the offence took place at around 5pm on July 8 near King Centre on Jalan Simpang Tiga. Police officers conducting an enforcement operation at a food court found the accused allegedly using his mobile phone to access to an online football betting website offering wagers on 2026 FIFA World Cup fixtures. Police seized RM50 ($12) in cash.
After forensic examination, an expert report concluded that the material found on the phone fell within the legal definition of computerised gambling under Section 2 of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
