An e-hailing driver was fined RM4,000 after pleading guilty to uploading a video that questioned religious sensitivities and caused public alarm
SEREMBAN: An e-hailing driver pleaded guilty and apologised to Muslims after being charged with uploading an inflammatory Facebook video.
P. Mahendra Bhoopaty, 53, entered his plea at the Magistrate’s Court here before Magistrate Nurul Saqinah Rosli.
He was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements likely to cause public alarm and incite offences against public order.
The offence was committed at Masjid Jamek Dato’ Bandar Hj Ahmad Rasah, Kampung Dato Mansor, at about 12.30 pm on February 27.
In the video, he questioned religious sensitivities by comparing a temple and a mosque.
He asked, “kalau kuil India di bawah jambatan haram, yang ini masjid bawah jambatan flyover macam mana? haram ke halal, cuba terangkan” (If the Indian temple under the bridge is haram, how about this mosque under the flyover? Haram or halal, try to explain).
Negeri Sembilan Director of Public Prosecutions Ku Hayati Ku Haron urged the court to impose a proportionate sentence.
She stressed that the action could threaten national harmony and the punishment should serve as a lesson to respect religious sensitivities.
Unrepresented, the accused appealed for a lighter sentence, citing financial difficulties.
He told the court he was unable to continue driving for Grab due to a damaged car and needed to support his child and elderly father.
The court sentenced him to a fine of RM4,000, with a default of seven months’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
