MCMC said Era FM’s operator, Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, was slapped with a RM250,000 compound based on the recently amended Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Section 233 of the act on the improper use of network facilities was amended to provide for a maximum fine of RM500,000, up to two years in prison, or both. This came into effect on Feb 11.

The section previously only allowed for a maximum RM50,000 fine, up to a year in prison, or both.

MCMC said Harith and Yap had uploaded offensive content and comments regarding Islam on Facebook on Jan 18, before the amended act came into force.

Harith was issued a compound for posting 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, made comments regarded as insulting to Islam and Prophet Muhammad. She later apologised and admitted that her comment was insensitive.

Yesterday, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the quantum of the compound issued to Maestra Broadcast took into account that it was not an individual but a company that generates high annual revenue.

He also said the case could not be compared with the “Allah” socks controversy involving KK Mart, as the latter was charged under the Penal Code and fined RM60,000.

The minister added that the KK Mart case did not concern online content or involve an MCMC licence holder.