Kuala lumpur: UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh pleaded not guilty at the Magistrate's Court today to a charge of making statements likely to cause fear or alarm to the public. Dr Muhamad Akmal, who also serves as the Merlimau state assemblyman, made his plea after the charge was read to him before Magistrate Nurul Rashidah Mohd Akit.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the charge against Dr Muhamad Akmal alleges that he made a statement via a social media post at 3 pm on August 11, which could have incited public fear and alarm. The case, presented by state prosecution director Datuk Mohd Nordin Ismail, falls under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code. This section stipulates a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.

Dr Muhamad Akmal's defense is being handled by a legal team led by Aizat Azam. During the hearing, the prosecution proposed a bail amount of RM10,000. However, Aizat appealed for a reduction to RM2,000, emphasizing Dr Muhamad Akmal's dual responsibilities as a doctor and an elected representative, as well as his obligations to his wife and two young children.

The court settled on a bail amount of RM5,000 with one surety, scheduling September 22 for the submission of documents.