SEPANG: Social media "influencer" Adeline Chang has been slapped with a RM7,000 fine by the Sessions Court here, over an offensive Facebook post involving a minor made in May.
Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman sentenced 24-year-old Chang, whose real name is Chang Pei Yi.
She pleaded guilty after the charges were read to her in Mandarin by the court interpreter, and paid the fine.
Before delivering the sentence, Ahmad Fuad said the defendant's actions had tarnished the dignity of the child and the family.
"Social media has become a public forum for discussing issues, and the public can say anything within that medium.
"But we must remember that one of the pillars of our Rukun Negara is 'kesopanan dan kesusilaan' (courtesy and morality), which means that whatever is conveyed should adhere to these principles. This aspect has gradually eroded, especially among the youth," the judge said.
Ahmad Fuad advised the defendant not to prolong personal issues that could have long-term effects on innocent parties, and in this case, the child involved.
"You must remember your position as an influencer, you should only post about positive things," he added.
According to the charges, Chang was accused of knowingly posting a photo accompanied by text in Mandarin, containing defamatory accusations and offensive language intended to hurt others at 11pm on May 30.
The charges were filed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and may be punishable under Section 233(3) of the same act, which carried a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Based on the facts of the case, Chang made the offensive post following a disagreement with the child's mother.
Earlier, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission prosecutor Nazrul Nizam Mohd Zameri requested a suitable penalty as a lesson for Chang, and said the offence was considered cyberbullying.
"The defendant's act of posting a picture of the child and claiming the victim is an illegitimate child is inappropriate and must be taken seriously," he said.
However, lawyer Muhammad Rhastdan Abdul Wahab, who represented the woman, appealed for the minimum fine, arguing that his client did not have a steady income and only earned money from reviewing products online.
"My client also has a thyroid condition and is currently receiving regular counseling for her psychological treatment," he said.