KAJANG, Nov 12 – The Kajang Sessions Court has issued an arrest warrant for a 45-year-old businessman over an alleged offensive Facebook post about the Royal Institution.
Judge Khainur Aleeza Ismail approved the prosecution’s application on Thursday.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Faten Hadni Khairuddin told the court that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had struggled to serve the businessman with a court summons.
She said the businessman had not answered calls from enforcement officers. He also allegedly refused to leave his house to receive the document.
MCMC Officers Tried to Serve the Summons
The prosecution said MCMC officers visited the man’s home in Ampang, Selangor.
Officers went there after telecommunications data indicated that he was near the residence.
They believed he was inside the house. They also noticed that a motorcycle engine at the property remained warm.
However, the businessman allegedly refused to come outside. He also did not respond to the officers’ calls.
Following these attempts, the prosecution applied for an arrest warrant. The court approved the application.
Businessman Faces Charge Under Communications Act
The businessman was scheduled to face a charge under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The provision concerns the improper use of network facilities or services to send offensive communications.
If convicted under Section 233(2), he could face a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
The law also allows an additional fine of RM5,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction.
However, these penalties represent the maximum punishment under the law. They are not a sentence imposed in this case.
Court Sets December 18 for Next Mention
The court has fixed December 18 for the next mention of the case.
The arrest warrant follows the businessman’s failure to attend court. It also comes after MCMC officers reportedly faced difficulties serving him with the summons.
The case concerns an alleged Facebook post involving the Royal Institution. The court has yet to determine the allegation.
The businessman remains entitled to due process. He has not been convicted of the alleged offence.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
