PETALING JAYA: One of the individuals arrested and charged for cyberbullying social media influencer, the late Rajeswary Appahu, was picked up by police last Sunday (Nov 17) over the alleged cyberbullying of another woman.
When contacted, Cheras police chief ACP Aidil Bolhassan confirmed that the suspect was questioned on Sunday and released on police bail.
He added that investigations are ongoing and declined to comment further.
The 36-year-old suspect was detained following a report lodged by a woman, a close friend of the late Rajeswary Appahu, who committed suicide in July just days after being cyberbullied with threats and vulgarities.
S. Hemalatha, 40, lodged the report at the Bukit Jalil police station on Sept 9, alleging she was bullied on TikTok alongside Rajeswary in late June and early July.
In the report, Hemalatha named both individuals arrested and charged for cyberbullying Rajeswary, a man and a woman, as her alleged tormentors.
The man is serving a two-year sentence running concurrently, while the woman received a RM100 fine.
This outcome has angered many Malaysians, as well as political figures.
According to sources, the suspect is being investigated for criminal intimidation under Section 506 of the Penal Code and for insulting the modesty of an individual under Section 509.
In her police report, seen by The Star, Hemalatha claimed the alleged bullying by the two individuals caused her depression and mental stress.
Hemalatha, a broadcast journalist, also alleged that the duo tarnished her image and reputation and threatened her with physical harm.
Women's Aid Organisation’s Ivy Josiah expressed hope that the suspect would be charged and appropriately dealt with.
“She should receive the maximum penalty that the law allows, and the bench should also impose additional punishment such as community service,” said Josiah.
Josiah added that she believed the suspect needed mandatory rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government is taking necessary steps to prevent cyberbullying.
“We are amending laws, including the Penal Code, to ensure cyberbullying is curbed.
"Social media platforms also must play a more proactive role," he added.
