Maskless man charged with insulting nasi lemak seller

KUALA LUMPUR: The man seen in a viral video scolding and hurling insulting words at a nasi lemak seller has been charged at the Magistrate’s Court here with the offence and also for not wearing a face mask in public.

J. Shyamalan (pic), 33, pleaded not guilty to both charges, which were read out separately before magistrate Wong Chai Sia yesterday, according to Bernama.

On the charge of insulting the nasi lemak seller, the businessman and father of three is alleged to have intended to insult the modesty of the 23-year-old woman, an offence under Section 509 of the Penal Code.

He faces a jail term of up to five years, a fine or both, upon conviction.

Shyamalan was also charged with violating Regulation 17 (1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) 2021 for not wearing a face mask in a public area.

Both offences were allegedly committed in front of a shop in Jalan Desa Bakti, Taman Desa here, at 10.30am on July 18.

The accused, who was represented by lawyer John Das, was allowed bail of RM4,000 in one surety on both charges.

The court set Aug 24 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Ahmad Hakimi Wan Ahmad Jaafar prosecuted.

Later, when walking out of the court complex, Shyamalan asked the press if they wanted his signature.

“You don’t want my signature? Drink a lot of water. It is very hot,” he said while showing his water bottle to the press taking his picture.

“That’s enough. My eyes are hurting,” said Shyamalan, who was casually dressed in cargo shorts, a yellow T-shirt with the words “WDC – We don’t care” and slippers.

And unlike in the viral video, he was wearing a mask.