Legal repercussions for social media post
A technician has been sentenced to six months in jail and fined RM12,000, with an additional three months in prison if the fine is unpaid. This decision was handed down by the Sessions Court after the individual pleaded guilty to charges of insulting Islam.
Judge Suzana Hussin ruled that the sentence for Chiok Wai Long, aged 35, would start from the date of his arrest on 20 March.
The conviction came after Chiok posted content deemed offensive on Facebook, promoting the sale of socks imprinted with the word ‘Allah’ under the profile name ‘Chiok Wai Loong’ on 18 March. This act violated the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Section 231(1)(a), with penalties including up to a year in jail, a fine up to RM50,000, or both.
Court proceedings and reactions
During the trial, deputy public prosecutor Datin Kalmizah Salleh called for a harsh sentence, highlighting that the post prompted 24 police reports. She emphasised the importance of respecting all religions in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
Chiok, who defended himself, stated he did not intend to insult Islam or cause harm. Describing himself as a ‘keyboard warrior’, he expressed regret that his actions had upset people, appealing for leniency and to avoid jail time.
The arrest followed a report by Bernama on a police investigation into a social media post that allegedly insulted Islam through the sale of controversial socks at a KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd outlet.
