KUALA LUMPUR: A Bangladeshi was jailed 10 years by the High Court after he pleaded guilty to supporting a terrorist group on social media.
Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid imposed the sentence on restaurant worker Mohammad Didarul Alam, 29, and ordered the jail term to take effect from the date of arrest on July 21.
“The accused is also ordered to be deported to his home country upon completing his prison sentence,” the judge ruled, Bernama reported.
Mohammad Didarul was charged with providing support to the Islamic State terrorist group by using a Facebook account under the name Al Mubin Islam on May 27, 2024.
The charge was framed under Section 130J(1)(a) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum of 40 years’ jail or a fine, with any property used in the commission of the offence liable to forfeiture.
According to the statement of facts, police investigations showed that the accused used his Facebook account to promote the terrorist group by posting and sharing photos, videos and other related content.
An analysis report by a translator further confirmed that the accused had disseminated propaganda videos, statements and images linked with the terrorist organisation through his account.
Deputy public prosecutor Aftal Mariz Mahamed urged the court to impose a substantial sentence to serve as a deterrent to the accused and other foreign nationals, particularly those involved in terrorist-related activities.
“The accused has no prior criminal record, but this is a serious offence that poses a threat to national security,” Aftal Mariz said.
Mohammad Didarul, who was unrepresented, pleaded for leniency, saying he had been supporting his family and parents in Bangladesh.
“I came to Malaysia to work and I apologise for my mistake,” he said.
