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KOTA KINABALU – Popular celebrity Muslim preacher Ebit Lew was slapped with 11 charges under Section 509 of the Penal Code for sending obscene photo(s) and words intended to insult one’s modesty through WhatsApp.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan said in a press statement that all charges are under the same and allegedly happened in Tenom from March 2021 to June 2021, where the alleged victim is a Malay woman.
The offence carries maximum punishment of five years imprisonment or with fine, or both if found guilty.
Ebit claimed trial to all the charges.
Magistrate Nur Asyraf Zohani had ruled Ebit to be released on bail of RM11,000 (RM1,000 each charge) with two local sureties.
The accused was represented by Mohamed Zairi Zainal Abidin from LCZ law firm, while Muhammad Ilmami Ahmad prosecuted the case, assisted by deputy public prosecutor Azreen Yas Mohamad Ramli.
The court has set April 20 to April 23 for hearing.
Ebit, 37, reached the court in the interior district of Sabah at about 9am, and he was with several men when he arrived, believed to be his aides.
A team of police were deployed to the courthouse in Tenom, providing heavy security.
In a press conference at the Tenom police headquarters later, Abd Jalil said that the police are probing another sexual harassment case against Ebit or his real name Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, following another claim by the same victim.
“We will submit the investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor for the next course action after the probe is completed. We will investigate all angles including slander,” he said.
However, at the same time, Abd Jalil asked for the public not to make any speculations or provocations to ensure smooth proceedings.
On August 19, 2021, The Vibes reported that police have recorded a statement from Ebit in relation to a sexual harassment case.
Abd Jalil said Ebit was called in to assist with the probe under Section 9 of the Penal Code, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 at Bukit Aman on that day, last year.
Earlier this month (on February 3), Abd Jalil told the press that police are expected to complete investigations on allegations of sexual harassment against the preacher soon. – The Vibes, February 18, 2022