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Kota Kinabalu: A 24-year-old woman who posted offensive comments against Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan and insulted the modesty of the Pintasan assemblyman on social media was fined a total of RM8,000 on Monday.

Unemployed Luisa Luis, who appeared before Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan, pleaded guilty to the first count of posting offensive words and a picture in the comment column on her Facebook page ‘Lf Story’, in which the comments were read by Fairuz at 3.59pm on April 30 at his house in Taman Bukit Sepanggar, here. 

The comment was made with the intention of hurting others’ feelings.

The offence under Section 233(1)(a) of the Multimedia and Communication Act 1998 carries a fine of up to RM50,000, or a jail term of up to one year, or both, on conviction. 

Luisa was fined RM5,000 or five months jail.

Luisa, who was then brought before Magistrate Lovely Natasha Charles, admitted to another charge of insulting the modesty of Fairuz by uttering abusive words against him through WhatsApp which were read by Fairuz on April 6 at 11.07pm at his house. 

The offence under Section 509 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to five years, or a fine, or both, on conviction.

Luisa was fined RM3,000 or 10 months jail.

Earlier, in the Sessions Court, Judge Amir Shah heard from the prosecution that Luisa’s actions had caused Fairuz to feel worried, embarrassed and concerned about his safety and reputation as an assemblyman. 

Further investigation revealed that Luisa had used her handphone to post abusive comments and a picture of Fairuz and his wife on Facebook. 

The picture was also found on her handphone.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Lovely was informed by the prosecution that the complainant received the WhatsApp text from Luisa’s contact number containing the insulting words. 

Unrepresented, Luisa admitted her mistake, promised not to repeat it, and requested a lower fine, explaining that it was her first offence and that she was jobless. 

Inspector Kelvan Elson, prosecuting, requested an adequate sentence and informed the court that due to the matter, Luisa faced four charges – two under Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communication Act and one each under Section 509 and Section 506 of the Penal Code. 

The remaining two charges would be mentioned later this month and next month, he said.