KUALA LUMPUR, July 16- The two individuals who insulted Muslims and ridiculed the holy fasting month of Ramadan on Facebook can be prosecuted for displaying offensive pictures and words, Deputy Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said yesterday.
He said they could be prosecuted in accordance with Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
The offence was punishable with a fine of up to RM50,000 or a one-year prison term, or both, upon conviction, he said.
Both the individuals came to the office of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to give their statements, he told reporters at the lobby of Parliament.
They had allegedly uploaded onto their Facebook account a picture of them having the “Bak Kut Teh” pork dish with a caption touching on the sensitivities of Muslims.
The individuals came to the enforcement office of the MCMC here at 10.45 am.
MCMC head of enforcement and industry surveillance Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin told reporters at his office that an investigation would be conducted and a report submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
He also said that it was learnt that the police would also conduct an investigation.
Meanwhile, the National University of Singapore explained in a statement that one of the individuals, identified as Vivian Lee, had never been a student of the university as reported.
– BERNAMA
