KUALA LUMPUR – The sister of the late TikTok influencer Rajeswary Appahu, fondly known as Esha, has urged the public to refrain from donating to any online fundraisers using the late influencer and activist’s name.
Speaking to Scoop, Susila Appahu emphasised that no fund-collection activities have been initiated by the family.
“As a family, we do not engage in any funding activities following her (Esha’s) death. In fact, my sister was against such donation programmes.
“If anyone is spreading information about donations for Esha’s family, please do not fall for it as those bank accounts do not belong to us.
“If you wish to come in person and share your condolences, that is fine. But please do not engage in these crowdfunding activities,” she said.
On July 5, the 29-year-old influencer was found dead in her Setapak home. A month prior, she lodged a report at the Dang Wangi police headquarters, detailing violent threats made against her on social media.
Following this, police arrested Shalini Periasamy, 33, known as @alphaquinnsha on TikTok, at her home in Rawang, Selangor, on July 8. Shalini was remanded for five days to assist with investigations.
Three days later, police arrested B. Sathiskumar, 44, a TikToker behind the account known as Dulal Brothers, who was remanded for four days.
Earlier yesterday, Shalini pleaded guilty after the charge was read before magistrate Arunjothy M. Selvaraju at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex.
She was fined RM100 under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for insulting with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
Meanwhile, Sathiskumar, who was unrepresented, appealed for a lighter sentence as he needed to support his wife, who is disabled, and their three children.
The case mention is fixed for August 16, as Sathiskumar informed the court he needed to secure the services of a lawyer for the next proceeding.
Yesterday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the cabinet has agreed in principle to amend legal provisions related to cyberbullying following Esha’s death.
Fahmi, along with Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, emphasised the need to strengthen the law.
Fahmi said that Azalina is working on amendments to the Penal Code, which could be implemented swiftly.
He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also highlighted the importance of holding social media platforms accountable for such incidents, noting the prevalence of other cybercrimes online. – July 17, 2024