SEPANG, 7 May — A 24-year-old kuih seller was fined RM30,000 by the Sessions Court here today after he was found guilty of sending obscene content via Telegram for commercial gain two years ago, in a case that the prosecution described as profit-driven and harmful to public morality.
Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman handed down the sentence on Branley Mohd Taha and ordered that he serve six months’ jail if he fails to pay the fine. The court heard that the offence took place at 8.44 pm on 22 July 2024 when the accused knowingly provided access to an obscene Telegram group called “Baby Channel Lifetime” to an undercover officer from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
He was charged under Section 233(2)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum penalty of RM50,000 fine, up to one year imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
In delivering his judgment, Judge Ahmad Fuad said the offence had a serious impact on public morality and went against the values upheld in Islam as well as the principles of the Rukun Negara. He stressed that Malaysia is known for its culture of decency and propriety, and warned against misuse of social media platforms for harmful activities.
“You have violated two principles of the Rukun Negara, which are the foundation of our nation. Do not use social media to damage public morality and national harmony,” the judge said.
The prosecution, led by MCMC officer Mohamad Azmir Mohd Razali, argued for a stiffer sentence, stating that the offence was deliberate and financially motivated. It was revealed in court that the accused had allegedly earned about RM33,000 from the sale of such content.
In mitigation, Branley, who appeared emotional, pleaded for a lighter sentence, saying he did not have stable employment and was helping his mother sell kuih. He also said he is the main provider for his family, including his mother, younger sibling, and niece, and expressed remorse for his actions.
In a separate case before the same judge, a 59-year-old father of six pleaded not guilty to charges of creating and uploading obscene content on Facebook under the account “Bro Li Angel” in December last year.
Mohd Azli Abdul Aziz was accused of transmitting obscene material with intent to annoy others, which was later viewed at MCMC headquarters in Cyberjaya. He faces charges under Section 233(1)(a) of the same Act, which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
His lawyer requested a lower bail, citing his client’s accident last year and unstable income. The court set bail at RM7,000 with one surety and fixed June 11 for mention.
The two cases highlight MCMC’s continued enforcement action against misuse of digital platforms for obscene content and commercial exploitation.
