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A SESSIONS Court in Miri has sentenced a Facebook account administrator to 10 months’ imprisonment and imposed a RM50,000 fine after he was found guilty of posting comments considered extremely offensive and insulting to Islam in connection with the passing of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The accused, John Mule anak Alai, 48, was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improperly using an online application to transmit communication deemed grossly offensive with the intention of annoying or disturbing others.
According to the charge, the accused, who acted as administrator of the Facebook account “Bat Tuo Sai”, uploaded remarks containing insults and derogatory statements directed at verses of the Holy Quran and the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The comments were posted under a Facebook entry by Astro Awani reporting on the former prime minister’s death.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said the case demonstrated the authorities’ firm stance against the misuse of digital platforms to spread offensive or hateful content.
“MCMC views seriously any form of misuse of digital platforms that can insult religion, incite hatred or undermine harmony within Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-religious society,” the commission said in a statement.
The commission also reminded the public to exercise responsibility and restraint when using social media platforms.
“Members of the public are reminded to use social media prudently, responsibly and in compliance with the laws in force. Any content that insults, incites hatred or touches on the sensitivities of race, religion and the royal institution may be subject to firm legal action,” it said.
The accused appeared before Sessions Court 1 in Miri earlier on Wednesday where the sentence was delivered. - March 11, 2026