Court fines man RM30,000 for Facebook post insulting judiciary

Court fines man RM30,000 for Facebook post insulting judiciary

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission says the offence involved ‘grossly offensive’ content.

Mohamad Azri Sahlam
The accused, Azri Sahlam, at the Keningau sessions court today. (MCMC pic)
PETALING JAYA:
The Keningau sessions court in Sabah has fined a man RM30,000 after he pleaded guilty to uploading “grossly offensive” content insulting the judiciary.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a statement Azri Sahlam, 41, was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 with knowingly using Facebook to initiate the transmission of grossly offensive content.

The offending Facebook post was published on Dec 22, 2025. MCMC said Azri paid the fine.

It said the punishment was imposed under Section 233(2) of the same Act, which provides for a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both upon conviction.

“MCMC takes a serious view of the spreading of grossly offensive content with elements of race, religion and royalty.

“Such acts not only undermine the sovereignty of the law and the independence of judicial institutions, but also have the potential to disrupt public peace and harmony,” it said.

The commission also reminded the public to use social media prudently and responsibly.

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