'Sang Kelembai' charged with improper use of network facilities

KLANG: Blog writer "Sang Kelembai' was charged in the sessions court here today with the improper use of network facilities by initiating the transmission of offensive communication using the Facebook application.
Datuk Abd Zarin Mohd Yasin, 65, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge before Judge Tasnim Abu Bakar.
Abd Zarin, who is Sri Labuan Umno branch head, was charged with knowingly initiating the transmission of the offensive posting at https://www.facebook.com/zahrinmohdyasin/posts/10207687390002554 with the intention to annoy others at about 9pm at Taman Sri Putra, Sungai Buloh, last Oct 8.
He was alleged to have committed the offence by using the Facebook application service of a profile account of "Zaharin Mohd Yasin".
The charge, under Section 233 (1) (a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, provides a fine of up to RM50,000, or imprisonment for up to a year, or both, if found guilty.
Deputy public prosecutor from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Mohd Sophian Zakaria, who prosecuted, requested bail of RM5,000 for Abd Zarin's release.
However, lawyer Muhammad Fitri Abdullah Wahid, representing Abd Zarin, requested for a lower bail, saying that his client only obtained the commission through his blog writing.
Tasnim then released Abd Zarin on bail of RM4,000 in one surety and set Nov 16 for case management.
Abd Zarin, who is also represented by lawyer Adnan Seman, was also ordered to surrender his passport to the court.
Abd Zarin posted the bail. — Bernama