Kuala Lumpur:Two men appeared in the Sessions Court today, pleading not guilty to charges of creating and posting extremely offensive comments on social media about the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, in August.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the accused individuals, Abdullah Aidid Mochtar @ Ahmad Duta, 44, who is unemployed, and Ashadi Zul'izzi Zainal Abidin, 46, a graphic designer, faced the charges before Judge Muhammad Ilmami Ahmad. The charges involve the use of social media platforms where Abdullah allegedly posted offensive content via a TikTok account on August 1, and Ashadi via a Threads account on August 4.

The offensive posts were reportedly viewed at specific locations in Taman Segambut on August 4 and 5. Both defendants were charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which could result in penalties under Section 233(2) of the same Act. The penalties include a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, with an additional fine for continued offenses.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) prosecuting officer Nazrul Nizam Mohd Zameri proposed a bail of RM15,000 for each accused, considering the serious nature of the charges. However, both defendants, who were unrepresented, requested lower bail amounts due to financial difficulties. Abdullah cited unemployment, while Ashadi mentioned the bail amount was beyond his financial capability.

The court granted bail at RM12,000 each with one surety and scheduled December 1 for further mention of the case.