KUALA LUMPUR:An ambulance driver pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court, here today, to a charge with improper use of the network facilities to transmit offensive comments against the Jakel family and company on his Facebook page.

Muhamad Syakir Mustaffa, 32, was charged with knowingly making and initiating the transmission of the offensive communication towards the Jakel family and company using his Facebook page with the profile name “Haqimie Qayyum” between 10 am and noon on May 3 this year.

The Facebook link was then read at Jakel Mall at Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Dang Wangi here, on 10 am, the next day.

The charge was made under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 and is punishable under Section 233(3) of the Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both, and is also liable to a fine of RM1,000 for each day the offence is continued, upon conviction.

Judge M.M Edwin Paramjothy allowed Muhamad Syakir bail of RM3,000 in one surety and set Nov 23 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Syahieza Md Hadzaid prosecuted, while Muhamad Syakir was unrepresented.

-- BERNAMA