Ng Kok Yeow, 64, pleaded guilty after the charge was read to him by a court interpreter before magistrate Chia Huey Ting.

The judge also sentenced him to three days’ jail if he failed to pay the fine.

Ng was accused of deliberately informing a Malaysia Airlines staff member that there was a bomb in his friend’s bag, knowing that his words could disrupt public order.

The incident occurred at check-in counter number 44 at 10.30pm on March 11.

The charge was framed under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1995, which provides for a maximum fine of RM100 upon conviction.

Based on the facts of the case, Ng’s words were heard by several other staff members. Further inspection found no prohibited items in his bag or that of his friend.

Deputy public prosecutor R Lushani had asked the court to impose the maximum fine, saying that such sensitive matters should not be made into a joke, especially in high-security areas such as airports.