A portal technology reporter was fined RM10,000 by the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur today for two charges of insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong through his ‘10befiend’ twitter.

Effi Nazrel Saharudin, 35, was ordered to pay the maximum RM5,000 fine in default three months’ jail on each count, by Judge Zulqarnain Hassan.

He claimed trial on June 5 when charged with committing the offences at a condominium in Taman Puncak Desa, Kepong near Kuala Lumpur at 11.21am and 11.23am on June 1, 2013.

Earlier, counsel Syaredzan Johan in his mitigation, said Effi Nazrel was remorseful of his actions and would be more heedful of his comments in future.

“He only earns RM3,000 and has a family to support, including a one-month-old baby. The accused has also saved the court’s time and costs by changing his plea,” counsel submitted.

However, deputy public prosecutor Nazrul Nizam Mohd Zameri asked the court to impose a deterrent sentence, “as a reminder to the accused and the public in general”.

Effi Nazrel paid the fine.

The charges framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1988 (Act 588), punishable under subsection 233(3), carries a maximum RM5,000 fine or one year’s jail, or both, upon conviction.

- Bernama