A factory technician was charged at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today with supporting IS militants and being in possession of items related to the group.

Muhammad Safuan Mohd, 29, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to both charges.

He is alleged to have given support to the IS militant group by pledging his loyalty through the Telegram application on his mobile phone in the chat group “Gagak Hitam”, using the name 'Abu Marwan Salaki'.

The charge under Section 130 J(1)(a) of the Penal Code provides for imprisonment for life or not more than 30 years, or a fine and forfeiture of property used or intended to be used in connection with the commission of the offence, upon conviction.

The man was also alleged to have IS-related items, namely 72 video clips, 19 pictures and 419 documents on his mobile phone, which were discovered in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, in October last year.

He could face a maximum jail term of seven years or fine and forfeiture of property used or intended to be used in connection with the commission of the offence if convicted under Section 130 JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalam prosecuted, while Muhammad Safuan was not represented. Judge Azman Abdullah set Oct 12 for re-mention of the case.

- Bernama