JOHOR BARU: Two Bangladesh factory workers were charged here on Friday (Aug 15) with allegedly expressing support for the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.
Md Mamun Ali, 31, was charged in the Sessions Court with providing support to IS via Facebook under the name “Sahifulla Islam” from July 28, 2023 to April 30, 2024.
The offence, framed under 130J(1)(a) of the Penal Code, carries life imprisonment or up to 40 years with a fine upon conviction.
No plea was recorded because the accused did not understand the charge, which was read to him in Bahasa Malaysia.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Maryam Jamielah Ab Manaff then requested a Bangladeshi translator.
Judge Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail allowed the request and fixed Sept 12 for next mention.
Separately at the same court, factory worker Md Refat Bishat, 27, was accused of possessing an image of an IS flag in his mobile phone, which is an offence under Section 130JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code.
He allegedly committed the offence at a house in Jalan Datin Halimah, Larkin, here at 4.30pm on July 10.
If convicted, the charge carries imprisonment of up to seven years or a fine and confiscation of the substance.
Md Refat said he could only slightly understand the charge that was read to him in Bahasa Malaysia.
DPP Nur Ainaa Ridzwan also requested a Bangladeshi translator.
The court granted the request and also set Sept 12 for next mention.
No bail was granted for both cases.
