Parcel delivery rider pleads not guilty to insulting Islam last year

JOHOR BARU: A 40-year-old parcel delivery rider has pleaded not guilty at the Session Courts after he was slapped with 10 charges of insulting Islam last year.

Alimuddin Mohd Hayat, made the plea after the charges were read to him in front of Sessions Court judge Rashidah Roslee here on Wednesday (Jan 10).

According to the charge sheet, the accused sent a text that was insulting in nature and against the Islamic faith.

The text was uploaded on a Facebook account belonging to "Ali Tikos" with the intent to hurt other people's feelings. It was read on April 26, 2023, at 10pm at Blok B, Rumah Pangsa Awam Larkin, Johor Baru.

The act is an offence under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which outlines the improper use of network facilities or services.

It carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, a maximum jail term of one year, or both, and a further fine of RM1,000 for each day the offence continues upon conviction.

The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutors Umar Faiz Abdul Kohar, Othman Affan Ismail, and S. Thiviya, while the accused was unrepresented.

During proceedings, Umar Faiz requested bail be set at RM15,000 for each charge, with an additional term for the accused to report himself to the nearest police station every month until the case is over.

In mitigation, the accused, who is a single father, requested a lower bail as he only earns RM50 per day and is currently taking care of his two daughters, aged five and nine.

The court then allowed bail to be set at RM8,000 for the first to sixth charge, RM5,000 for the seventh to ninth charge, and RM3,000 for the tenth charge, all with one surety, along with the additional term.

The court then set February 20 for the case's next mention.

Previously, Alimuddin had already been charged with the same offence in a Johor Sessions Court last year. However, the case was thrown out by the court due to technical issues.