KUCHING: A trader has been fined RM2,000 or sentenced to three months in prison by the Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Aug 1) for making criminal threats against another trader.
The incident occurred due to the defendant’s dissatisfaction with the female victim’s statement, claiming that his mother made defamatory remarks in a WhatsApp group.
Bazlan Mahmod, 36, pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 506 of the Penal Code, read before Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Berayan.
The offence took place in front of the victim’s shop at Medan Niaga Satok at about 4.34pm on April 21, 2022. If convicted, the defendant could have faced imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
According to the facts of the case, the 55-year-old complainant was approached by the defendant, who proceeded to berate her with threatening words, stating, “Later, I will break your face.” Fearing for her safety, the victim lodged a police report, leading to further investigation.
CCTV footage inside the victim’s shop captured the incident, including the defendant’s threatening remarks, providing evidence for the case.
The incident reportedly stemmed from the victim’s allegation of defamatory remarks made by the defendant’s mother in a WhatsApp group. When the defendant requested proof of the defamation, the victim refused to provide evidence, escalating the situation.
The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Merylene Lindan Andrew Mang while the defendant was not represented by legal counsel.
