Man fined RM30,000 for extreme online content and contempt of judiciary, court rules

A MAN has been fined RM30,000 by the Keningau Sessions Court today after admitting to charges of uploading extreme offensive content and insulting the judiciary through Facebook on 22 December 2025.

The accused, Mohamad Azri bin Sahlam, 41, was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) for knowingly using an application service, namely his Facebook account, to initiate the transmission of communication deemed grossly offensive in nature.

He paid the fine imposed by the court.

The sentence was handed down under Section 233(2) of Act 588, which provides for a maximum penalty of a fine not exceeding RM500,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it takes a serious view of the dissemination of extreme offensive content involving 3R issues, referring to race, religion and royalty, as well as material that undermines public institutions.

“The act not only undermines the rule of law and the independence of judicial institutions, but also has the potential to disrupt public order and harmony,” it said.

The commission reminded the public to use social media responsibly and with restraint to ensure that cyberspace remains safe and free from abuse that could trigger public anxiety and tension.

It added that firm action will continue to be taken against those involved in such offences. - April 28, 2026