KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has expressed disappointment over the RM100 fine imposed on a woman implicated in a cyberbullying case involving the late influencer Rajeswary Appahu.
“I am disappointed with the minimal fine, but I understand from the Attorney-General’s Chambers that it was based on the evidence gathered,” he told reporters after officiating the KL Startup Summit 2024 today.
Fahmi also commented on the demeanour of the woman charged, 33-year-old Shalini Periasamy, as she exited the courtroom yesterday after being sentenced under the Minor Offences Act of 1955.
“I looked at social media comments expressing shock at not only the small fine but also the offender’s attitude, as if she was not remorseful of what she had done, leading to the believed death of (Rajeswary).
“This is a very wrong attitude, and I dare say we have to work very hard to strengthen the laws now,” he said.
Fahmi further cautioned those who speak or comment recklessly on social media live streams, noting that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is acting against individuals who make repugnant comments or break the law.
In addition to Shalini, 44-year-old Sathiskumar Balakrishnan has also pleaded guilty to issuing obscene comments against Rajeswary. Upon conviction under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, he could face up to one year in jail, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.
Meanwhile, Fahmi warned against the exploitation of Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour (CIB) to threaten the judge who acquitted a director of the convenience store chain KK Supermart & Superstore.
“This is a warning, we will find you. The MCMC has the capabilities, and we will find those making criminal threats against the judges, and not limited to just that,” he said.
“We want to ensure the internet is safer for all Malaysians, including children and families. We must ensure that the cyberbullying issue is properly dealt with, with larger fines and clearer definitions.”
CIB involves manipulative communication activities using multiple social media accounts or pages – whether authentic, fake, or duplicated – to mislead the public, manipulate public discourse and opinions, or spread misinformation.
KK Mart founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan and his wife Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui were acquitted of criminal charges related to the “Allah”-printed socks controversy.
A similar decision was made for the directors of Johor-based manufacturer Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, Soh Chin Huat, Goh Li Huay, and Soh Hui San. However, the Shah Alam sessions court imposed a RM60,000 fine on each of the two companies. – July 17, 2024