The group, which consisted of four women and eight men aged between 44 and 84, were arrested for flouting movement control order rules and also for illegal gambling at Jalan Thamby Kecil here yesterday.

North Seberang Perai district police chief Noorzainy Mohd Noor said of the 12 arrested, nine were remanded, while three others were compounded for illegal gambling.

He said all 12 were also given RM1,000 compounds for flouting social distancing rules, not wearing masks and violating the MCO under which such gatherings are not permitted.

The case is being investigated for betting and wagering in a common betting house under Section 6 of the Betting Act 1953, which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or jail of six months upon conviction.

The 12 are also being investigated under Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (Movement Control) (No 2) Regulations 2021 for violating the MCO, which carries a maximum six months jail or maximum RM1,000 fine upon conviction.