Fahmi Reza claims trial to posting offensive content

KUALA LUMPUR - Graphic designer Fahmi Reza was charged at the Sessions Court today with posting an offensive content on his Twitter account relating to quarantine rules on ministers returning from overseas, a year ago.

The 45-year old whose full name is Mohd Fahmi Reza Mohd Zarin claimed trial after the charge was read out to him before judge Datin Sabariah Othman.

According to the charge sheet, Fahmi was alleged to have made the offensive content with the intention to annoy others on the “Fahmi Reza” or @kuasasiswa Twitter account at 3.02pm on Feb 10, 2021.

The posting was read at the Health Ministry’s corporate communications head office in Putrajaya at about 4pm, the next day.

He was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or up to one year imprisonment or both and can also be fined RM1,000 for each day the offence is continued after conviction.

During the proceeding, deputy public prosecutor Najihah Farhana Che Awang offered RM10,000 bail to Fahmi.

However, his lawyer Rajsurian Pillai pleaded for a lower amount saying that his client has given full cooperation throughout the investigation and will not disturb the prosecution witnesses.

Sabariah then allowed RM5,000 bail with one surety and set March 30 for mention.