PETALING JAYA: Social media influencer known as ‘CEO Batu’ has pleaded not guilty at the Magistrates’ Court here on Friday (July 11) to a charge of possessing obscene videos and images on his mobile phone two months ago.
‘CEO Batu’, whose real name is Muhamad Iqbal Muhamad Nor, 22, entered the plea after the charge was read before magistrate Chai Guan Hock.
“Not guilty and I request to be tried,” said the accused.
According to the charge, he was accused of storing pornographic materials in the gallery of his mobile phone while at the office of an investigating officer at the Gombak district police headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Department, at 11:39am on 22 May.
He was charged under Section 292(a) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to three years, or a fine, or both, if convicted.
During proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Birr Zamier Abu Bakar proposed bail at RM6,000 with one surety.
However, defence lawyer Nabil Ashraff Ridzuan requested that bail be set at the minimum rate, stating that his client had suffered nerve issues following an accident.
“Muhamad Iqbal’s income as a social media influencer has also been affected, as many contracts were terminated due to this case.
“He also helps support his parents and four siblings, as well as his elderly grandparents who are in poor health,” said the lawyer, who appeared with another counsel, Muhammad Zulhaniff Mohamed Anas.
After hearing both sides, magistrate Chai allowed bail at RM3,000 with one surety and set the next mention for 30 September.
Earlier on Thursday, the accused had also pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of non-physical sexual assault, for allegedly exposing his genitals to a 13-year-old girl in May.
Previously, several screenshots of sexually explicit messages allegedly sent by the influencer to the underage girl had gone viral on social media.
