Ten participants of a nudist camp in Teluk Bahang, Penang have been charged in a magistrate's court in Balik Pulau today for causing public unrest.

Six pleaded guilty and four claimed trial to the charge under Section 294(a) of the Penal Code.

 

They allegedly took part in the event at the National Park in Teluk Kampi, Teluk Bahang on May 31.

 

A video of the incident was uploaded on Vimeo and it sparked public outrage in conservative Malaysia.

 

Magistrate Mohd Najib Ismail presided over the case while DPP Edward Chan prosecuted.

Those convicted today after pleading guilty are Loh Kok Hong, 41, Mu Wai Peng, 34, Justin Ang Ji Keng, 24, Yam Kam Hoong, 54, Lionel Loo Joo Heng, 52 and R Nanda Kumar, 40.

Those who plead not guilty are Chew Tok Hua, 57, Chan Chia Wen, 27, Teh Guan Hoon, 37 and Kong Meng Long, 38.

Judge Mohd Najib sentenced the six who pleaded guilty to one month's jail starting today and RM5,000 fine.

Failure to pay the fine will result in three months' jail.

Yam, who produced the video received an extra sentence of six months jail.

The charge is under Section 292 (a) of the Penal Code, for producing a pornographic materials.

Diversity, not nudity

In sentencing, Mohd Najib said that Malaysia is unique due to its multiracial, multireligious, multi-language and diverse lifestyles.

"We are unique but manage to live in a peaceful and harmonious way as an independent and successful nation," he said.

"What keeps us together is this unity in diversity which is based on our Rukunegara, which emphasises on good behaviour and manners.

"It is based on these principles that we have to protect public interest, to give a signal to society that such acts will not be repeated," he added.

Mohd Najid did not allow a stay of execution and ordered the six to serve their sentence.

The six expressed remorse and apologised to all Malaysians for their act and promised not to repeat the offence.