According to a Bernama report, magistrate Oon Kork Chern imposed the fine on Mel Maxpherson Munded, 32, of Kampung Bratan, Jalan Borneo Heights, who pleaded guilty to committing criminal intimidation.

Mel was charged with committing the offence by sending the singer a death threat with intent to cause alarm at the lobby of Kingwood Hotel in Sibu at about 11pm on Dec 30.

The charge, framed under Section 506 of the Penal Code, provides for imprisonment of up to seven years, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Before the sentencing, Oon asked Mel whether he was aware that he had committed criminal intimidation, to which the accused said he was not aware and was under the influence of alcohol.

In mitigation, Mel said he is married, has a child and is supporting his mother.

Prosecution officer Siti Mariyah Dahari requested that the court impose a heavy sentence as a lesson to the accused and the public at large.

According to the facts of the case, Ashima was informed by her manager of a threatening comment from a Facebook user.

Accompanied by police and tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing, she lodged a report at the Sibu police station, which led to Mel’s arrest.

Ashima was among the artistes who performed at the New Year’s Eve celebration organised by the tourism, arts and culture ministry at the Azman Hashim Community Sports Complex in Sibu Jaya.