Judge Ruzita Ramli made the decision after Norasid Said, 50, confessed to teachings contrary to shariah law, Bernama reported.

He was charged with committing the offence from Sept 1-30 last year under Section 52 of the Syariah Criminal Enactment (Negeri Sembilan) 1992, amended in 2019, which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of RM5,000 or both.

The case was prosecuted by Abdul Wafi Ramli, Hafiz Lazim and Amil Yahya while Norasid was not represented by a lawyer.

Earlier, Wafi requested the court to impose the maximum penalty considering that the act had harmed the faith of Muslim followers.

Norasid, who has three children, requested a lighter sentence as he is an HIV patient, self-employed and earns less than RM1,200 per month.

However, he claimed trial to two other charges linked to his teachings.

Ruzita allowed Norasid to be released on RM2,000 bail with two sureties. She set the next mention of the case for Oct 7.