MIRI – Law enforcement authorities have taken decisive action against a business establishment in the city following reports of regulatory breaches involving operating hours and employment documentation. Officers attached to the local district police headquarters conducted an inspection at a venue situated along Jalan South Yu Seng during the morning hours of 6 August 2026.
The operation was initiated after sustained observations suggested that the premises were failing to adhere to stipulated licensing conditions regarding daily trading times.
The enforcement team arrived at the location at approximately 8.15 am to carry out their duties. Their intervention was prompted by evidence indicating that the entertainment centre had remained open well past the legally permitted closing time.
Under current regulations governing such establishments, all operations must cease by 2.30 am each day. Despite this clear restriction, investigators discovered that activities were still ongoing inside the building nearly six hours after the mandatory shutdown deadline had passed.
Upon entering the facility, personnel identified specific areas where non-compliance was evident. One particular room within the complex was found to be actively playing loud music, confirming that the business had not wound down its services as required by law.
This discovery served as immediate proof that the licence conditions were being disregarded, validating the concerns that had initially triggered the police response and subsequent raid.
During the course of the inspection, three individuals present at the scene were taken into custody. Those detained included a local man who was performing duties as a counter guard at the establishment. Additionally, two Indonesian nationals who were working at the venue were also arrested.
Authorities confirmed that these foreign employees did not possess valid work permits, leading to charges related to the unlawful hiring of non-citizen labour without proper immigration clearance.
Several items relevant to the investigation were confiscated from the site to assist with ongoing inquiries. Seized materials included a single unit of the premises key and a CCTV decoder system. Furthermore, officers took possession of the Public Entertainment Licence issued to the business.
These evidentiary items are expected to play a crucial role in establishing the extent of the violations and supporting any future legal proceedings against the operators or staff members involved.
All three suspects have since been remanded in custody for a period of four days. This detention order is scheduled to remain in effect until 10 August 2026, allowing investigators sufficient time to compile their findings.
The case is currently being probed under two distinct legislative frameworks. Charges under Section 5(2) of the Entertainment Ordinance 2001 address the breach of operating hour restrictions and licensing terms.
Conviction under the Entertainment Ordinance carries significant penalties for offenders. The statute prescribes a maximum fine of RM 20,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both upon finding of guilt.
Simultaneously, the employment of undocumented workers falls under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63. This legislation imposes fines ranging from RM 10,000 to RM 50,000 per illegal employee, alongside potential jail terms of up to twelve months, or both punishments combined.
Police representatives have emphasised the necessity for strict adherence to all regulatory requirements by business owners in the sector. Operators are reminded that they must conduct their enterprises fully in accordance with the conditions set out in their respective licences.
Furthermore, the employment of foreign nationals must comply rigorously with the provisions established under national immigration laws. There is no flexibility permitted regarding these statutory obligations.
Authorities have made it unequivocally clear that there will be no leniency shown towards entities that flout established rules. Any violations detected will be met with firm enforcement measures based on existing legal statutes.
The police maintain a zero-tolerance stance towards non-compliance, ensuring that all entertainment venues operate fairly and legally within the community. Continued monitoring and inspections are expected to ensure sustained adherence to these important regulatory standards across the district.
