Harith Iskandar, Cecelia Yap fined RM10,000 each for offensive Facebook content

KUALA LUMPUR: Comedian Harith Iskander and social media user Cecelia Yap have each been fined RM10,000 for uploading offensive content on Facebook involving Islam.

The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) stated that the offensive content was uploaded on Jan 18.

“The issuance of the compounds is under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, based on the law prior to its amendments on Feb 11.

“After a request by the MCMC, Meta has taken down the content as it violated Facebook community guidelines.

“We have also applied for both accounts to be closed and the applications are under the consideration of Meta,” the MCMC said in a statement on Wednesday (March 5).

In another development, MCMC will also refer the investigation paper to the deputy public prosecutor on Thursday (March 6), involving a video that made fun of the Hindu religion.

“The video was uploaded on the TikTok account belonging to Era FM.

“We have also called up Astro top management yesterday (March 4).

“The investigation paper under Section 232 of the CMA 1998 is based on the law prior to its amendments,” it said.

The MCMC stated that the statements of those involved have been recorded as well.

“A Notice of Intent for the suspension of the license to manage Era FM radio station has also been handed to the license holder.

“They have 30 days to respond to the notice before any decision is made,” it said.