“I am disappointed with the small fine, but I’ve been made to understand by the Attorney-General’s Chambers that the punishment was meted out based on the evidence collected.
“We need to re-examine the definition of cyberbullying, and what the appropriate fine is for it,” he told reporters at a press conference after his keynote address at the KL Startup Summit 2024.
P Shalini was slapped with the fine after pleading guilty to engaging in insulting behaviour with the intention of inciting anger and disrupting peace.
The charge against her was framed under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, which provides for a maximum fine of RM100.
Shalini, who works at an old folks’ home, was accused of making insulting remarks through her TikTok account, alphaquinnsha, at 4am on July 1.
Rajeswary, 29, was found dead at her home in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, on July 5. The Hindu rights activist, also known as Esha, had filed a police report the day before against two people for allegedly harassing her on TikTok.
Fahmi also said he was reviewing how the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) takes action against those who make offensive comments on social media, particularly on live broadcasting platforms such as TikTok.
He likewise issued a warning to those who had made threats against the judges presiding over the case of KK Mart founder Chai Kee Kan and his wife, as well as the case on the Kedah government’s ban on gaming licences.
“I warn you, we will find you. MCMC has the capability to do so, and we will find those making criminal threats.
“We want to ensure that the internet is safer for Malaysians. Thus, we need to ensure that cyberbullying is addressed, with larger fines, clearer definitions, and platforms helping to reduce incidents of online scams,” he said.
On Monday, KK Supermart and Superstore Sdn Bhd was fined RM60,000 for intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others in the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”.
Last month, meanwhile, the Alor Setar High Court ruled that the state government’s decision not to issue or renew licences for gaming premises was unconstitutional.
Government neutral on Maxis considering U Mobile buyout
Fahmi also said that his ministry remained neutral following reports of Maxis Bhd mulling a buyout of U Mobile Sdn Bhd.
“The proposal is a commercial decision that we do not interfere with, and we remain neutral on it. If needed, MCMC will regulate accordingly.
“If any company undergoes a merger, we will look to ensure no dominance or single entity controlling the entire sector,” he said.
Bloomberg had quoted people with knowledge of the matter as saying that Maxis had expressed interest in U Mobile and that talks are at an early stage.