NIBONG TEBAL: An activist pleaded not guilty to a charge of making a statement likely to cause fear or alarm to the public.
Arumugam Dorasamy, 56, claimed trial before magistrate Nurul Aina Ahmad at the Jawi magistrate's court here on Tuesday (March 17).
Based on the charge sheet, he is accused of making a statement on his Instagram at about 3.45pm on March 12 last year.
The statement allegedly caused public alarm and induced offences against public order.
The statement was seen and heard by Nor Al Firdaus Nor Al Huda at Ikea Batu Kawan, leading to a complaint being lodged.
The charge is punishable under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for making statements conducing to public mischief.
If convicted, he can be punished with up to two years' jail, a fine or both.
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Penang Prosecution director Datuk Nazran Mohd Sham requested the court to set bail at RM5,000.
Defence counsel T. Gunaseelan agreed with the bail offered.
Nazran was assisted by DPP Airina Syazreen Zainurin while Gunaseelan was assisted by Balwant Singh Purba and Dickson Ng.
Nurul Aina set bail at RM5,000 with one surety.
She also fixed June 22 for case management and submission of documents.
Outside the court complex, about 50 supporters waited for Arumugam while he posted bail.
On Monday (March 16), Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said Arumugam is among four individuals being charged in separate courts.
They are accused of issuing statements that allegedly sparked provocative debates related to religious and racial issues.
The three others are Zamri Vinoth, coordinator of the rally organised by Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram (Garah), who will be charged at the Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court.
The others are Tamim Dahri at the Langkawi magistrate's court and P. Mahendra Bhoopaty at the Seremban magistrate's court in Negri Sembilan.
Mohd Khalid said the investigation against Arumugam relates to statements allegedly calling on Persatuan Hindu Agama Ani Malaysia to hold a street protest.
The protest was allegedly threatened if no action was taken against Zamri Vinoth.
Police opened an investigation after a report was lodged in Batu Kawan on March 12 last year over a video circulated on WhatsApp.
