Housewife Claims Trial To Spreading False Content Over Fuel Prices

SEPANG, April 30 (Bernama) -- A housewife pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of making false content relating to fuel price increases in the country via social media.

Siti Nor Sayikilla Mohd Azhar, 31, is accused of knowingly creating and initiating the transmission of false communications on March 31 with intent to annoy others, using @cek_apple95 account on Threads.

According to the charge sheet, the post was detected by an officer from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on the same day.

She is charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, as well as an additional fine of RM5,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction.

The court allowed Siti Nor Sayikilla bail of RM4,000 in one surety and set June 4 for mention and document submission.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Azmir Mohd Razali appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali.

Earlier, Muhammad Rafique applied for minimal bail of RM500, saying that Siti Nor Sayikilla is a housewife with no fixed income, while her husband does odd jobs with an irregular income. 

“My client has two children. The eldest is bedridden, unable to see or speak, and requires full-time care. The other child is still very young and fully dependent on the parents,” he said.

Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman, however, said offences under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 are not trivial matters, particularly when they involve the dissemination of false information that could disrupt public order.

“This provision exists to ensure that the public does not casually make false or untrue statements. Every action has consequences and must be carefully considered before any post is made.

“Such actions, although they may appear simple like making a comment or posting content, can have serious consequences. That is why the law prescribes heavy penalties,” he said.

-- BERNAMA