KOTA TINGGI: A 29-year-old assistant manager has claimed trial here for allegedly insulting Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on social media.
The accused, Mohamad Arif Ahmad, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in front of Judge Wan Mohd Norisham Wan Yaakob at the Kota Tinggi Sessions Court here on Sunday (July 18).
According to the charge sheet, Arif had released a statement on Twitter at about 5.20am on Oct 25 last year with the intention of hurting the feelings of others.
The tweet was read at about 3.30pm at a restaurant in Air Papan, Mersing, on the same day it was posted.
Arif was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which outlines the improper use of network facilities or services, an offence that carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a maximum jail term of one year or both and a further fine of RM1,000 for each day the offence continues, upon conviction.
He was represented by lawyer Omar Kutty Abdul Aziz while the case was prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Irsyad Mardi.
Wan Mohd Norisham set bail at RM8,000 with one surety and told the accused not to post any comment on the matter until the case is settled.
He also fixed Aug 22 for the next case mention and for submission of documents.
The accused posted bail.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
