BLOGGER Aspan Alias was fined RM4,500 by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today for improper use of network facilities by posting offensive comments about the Agong on his Facebook.

Judge Nor Hasniah Ab Razak meted out the fine, in default of six months in jail, on Aspan, 70, after he changed his plea to guilty when the case came up for mention. 

Aspan was charged with initiating the transmission of offensive communication with intention to annoy others against the king on his Facebook page with the profile name “Aspan Alias” at 2.47pm on May 16, 2021. 

He was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and was punishable under Section 233 (3) of the same law, which provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, and additional fines of RM1,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction. 

During mitigation, his lawyer Nurul Huda Razali informed the court that her client was jobless and suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure.

He also regretted his actions, she added. – Bernama, July 22, 2022.