In a statement tonight, MCMC said the fines will be issued under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities, based on provisions from the Act from before it was amended on Feb 11.

Harith had posted on Facebook that his faith was shaken after seeing a menu advertising “Ham Sap Coffee” because it contained the word “ham”.

Yap, in response to his post, allegedly made comments regarded as insulting to Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

A total of 16 reports were lodged against Harith and Yap over the matter.

Their comments followed the controversy surrounding the sale of ham sandwiches allegedly lacking halal certification at a convenience store at Universiti Malaya.

MCMC said Meta had already taken down the offensive post and comment prior to receiving the commission’s request as they were against Facebook’s community guidelines.