Graphic designer fined RM20,000 over X-rated website

SEPANG: For uploading pornographic cartoons and charging a RM30 fee to access the website, a graphic designer is paying the price.

Yunus Hasyim Yaakub, 29, was slapped with a RM20,000 fine after he admitted to voluntarily uploading pornographic cartoon drawings for commercial purposes.

The accused pleaded guilty under Section 233(2)(a) of the Com­munications and Multimedia Act 1998 for having distributed the pornographic material to a buyer at about 11.07am on Aug 13 last year.

According to the facts of the case, anyone who wanted to access Yunus’ drawings had to pay RM30 via an online transaction.

A password was then sent to the buyer in order to access the website.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission prosecuting officer Mohd Sophian Zakaria pressed for a deterrent sentence, saying that distributing such materials to make money was a serious offence.

Hefty fine: Yunus at the court in Sepang after the sentencing.

Mohd Sophian said the drawings would have an adverse effect on the community, especially children and teenagers.

“A strict punishment must be meted out to send a clear message to the public that such offence is not to be treated lightly,” he said.

Sessions Court judge Harith Sham Mohamed Yasin handed down the sentence.

The accused, who was unrepresented, paid the fine.