Aishah Bula Tajudin, 60, was charged with possessing the publications, including “Darul Arqam 25 Tahun Perjuangan Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At-Tamimi”, “Khutbah Aidilfitri 1413 Hijrah”, “Siri Terkini Era Kasih Sayang”, “Abuya Pemimpin Kasih Sayang” and “Abuya Ashaari Muhammad Pemimpin Paling Ajaib di Zamannya”.

The offence was allegedly committed at a place in Kampung Sungai Penchala, Damansara, at 11.30am on Sept 21, Bernama reported.

The charge was framed under Section 8(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 which provides a maximum fine of RM5,000 upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Sabri Othman requested for bail to be set at RM15,000 with two sureties, adding that the banning of the 38 publications, as well as their possession, had been widely reported by the media, including in newspapers and on television.

“During the three decades of the ban, there are still individuals who hide and possess these items,” he said.

Lawyer Boestamam Ahmad, representing Aishah, requested a lower bail because his client was not working and her husband had suffered a stroke.

Magistrate Farah Nabihah Dan fixed bail at RM5,000 with one surety and also ordered her to report herself at the nearest police station once a month until the conclusion of the case.

She also set Dec 4 for case mention.

In another magistrates’ court, before magistrate MS Mageswary, food caterer Nazif Jamluddin, 49, pleaded not guilty to a similar charge.

Nazif, of Ekhwan Catering, was charged with possessing two banned publications related to Al-Arqam with the titles “Perang Teluk Islam Akan Kembali Gemilang” and “Meruntuh Berhala di Tiongkok”.

He was charged with committing the offence at Ekhwan Catering, Kampung Sungai Penchala, at 10.30am on Sept 21.

Mageswary allowed him bail of RM5,000 with one surety and set Dec 4 for mention.