THE mask-less man who created a scene at a nasi lemak stall has claimed trial in the Kuala Lumpur magistrates’ court today for not wearing a face mask in public on Sunday.  

The accused, 33-year-old J Shyamalan, is alleged to have committed the offence at a nasi lemak stall along Jalan Desa Bakti in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur, at about 10.30am on July 18, 2021.

Shyamalan, who is a gym operator, was also charged with uttering offensive words towards Cherrilyn De Centino at the same time and place. He also pleaded not guilty to this charge.

Lawyer John Das represented the accused, while deputy public prosecutor Wan Ahmad Hakimi Wan Ahmad Jaafar appeared for the prosecution.

Wan Ahmad asked the court to impose a RM10,000 bail against the accused.

However, Das asked for a lower bail sum as Shymalan needs to support his family and his business has been deeply affected by the MCO. 

Magistrate Wong Chai Sia imposed a bail of RM1,500 with one surety for the first offence, and a further bail of RM2,500 with one surety for the second offence.

Shymalan posted the RM4,000 bail. 

Prior to the arrest, a short video of the accused hurling abusive language against another man at a nasi lemak stall on Sunday morning was circulating on social media.

The businessman was angry at another customer for telling him to wear a mask while in public.

The owner of the nasi lemak stall and her daughter intervened to stop the accused from hurting the customer.

Shyamalan was charged under Regulation 17(1) of the Prevention   and   Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (National Recovery Plan) Regulations 2021 for failing to comply with Covid-19 standard operating procedure.

Those found guilty of the offence can be fined up to RM50,000 or six month’s jail or both.

The magistrate fixed a mention date on August 24 for Shyamalan’s case. Shyamalan was freed after posting the bail amount. – July 22, 2021.