KUANTAN: A university student has been charged with desecrating the Quran and posting offensive content on social media.
S. Vikneswaran, 21, pleaded not guilty to both charges before judge Harmi Thamri Mohamad in the Sessions Court here yesterday.
According to the charge sheet, Vikneswaran desecrated the Quran, a sacred text for Muslims, intending to offend Islam at Jalan Gambang, Taman Seri Mahkota, around 1.30pm on Feb 22.
The charge was framed under Section 295 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of two years, a fine or both, upon conviction, Bernama reported.
For the second charge, he is accused of using the “ryandaselva” account on Threads to knowingly post offensive communication intended to offend others.
This offence is framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with penalties under Section 233(2) of the same Act.
If convicted, he can be fined up to RM500,000, jailed two years or both, and an additional RM5,000 for each day the offence continues.
The prosecution proposed bail of RM50,000 for both charges, citing the seriousness of the offences and public concern.
Vikneswaran’s lawyer sought a lower bail, saying the final-year Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah student is financially dependent on his father, a fish farmer earning RM5,000 a month.
He also mentioned that his client was referred to a clinic during his school years for psychological issues.
The court set bail at RM10,000 for both charges, ordering the student to report to the police monthly, with the case scheduled for mention on April 8.
