Blogger ‘Sang Kelembai’ charged with making offensive post on vaccine procurement

KUALA LUMPUR: Blogger “Sang Kelembai” pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here Wednesday (Jan 31) to a charge of making an offensive post about vaccine procurement matters on his Facebook page four years ago.

Datuk Abd Zarin Mohd Yasin, 72, was charged with creating and initiating the transmission of offensive communications with intent to annoy others via his Facebook account “Zaharin Mohamad Yasin” at 2.03am on Dec 21, 2020.

The post was read at the Health Ministry, Putrajaya at 3pm on Dec 22, the same year.

The charge framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 provides a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both and shall also be liable to a further fine of RM1,000 for every day during which the offence is continued after conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurilya Ellyna Nor Azmal requested bail of RM10,000 with one surety, along with the additional condition that the accused is not allowed to make any posts regarding the case throughout the proceedings.

In mitigation, lawyer Datuk Abu Bakar Isa Ramat, representing Abd Zarin, said his client has chronic diabetes and high blood pressure.

“The accused has four children, one of whom is still studying at university. His wife, a homemaker, will need to use their savings to pay the bail,” the lawyer said.

Judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini allowed bail at RM7,000 with one surety and set Feb 26 for mention. – Bernama