RM100 seems very small says minister

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil is disappointed over the meagre fine of RM100 imposed on a welfare home owner who used abusive language on TikTok since the fine did not serve as a deterrent.

He however accepted that the court decision was based on collected evidence.

“I have reviewed several comments, including those on TikTok by other influencers, who are not only upset with the fine but also with the offender’s apparent lack of remorse for their actions, which are believed to have caused another influencer’s death.

He said this in reference to the RM100 fine slapped on Shalini Periasamy who used the name Alphaquinnsha on TikTok.

Shalini pled guilty to the charge under Minor Offences Act to the charge against deceased TikTok influencer, A Rajeswary, better known as Esha. Esha died on July 5.

“This is a very concerning attitude, and I am very disappointed with the fine, which seems very small.

“We must work hard to strengthen the laws. I have also reviewed how the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has taken action against those who post offensive comments violating the law on social media,” he told reporters at the KL Startup Summit.

Will review existing laws

He reiterated that the government will review the existing legislations to ensure that penalties commensurate with growing cyber crimes.

“As Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said mentioned, we need to review the definition of bullying and determine appropriate penalties.

“In the second case, we see the use of Section 233 for network abuse, where the fine is RM50,000, which is more significant.”

The second case refers B Satishkumar who is also facing a charge under the Penal Code. He posted bail of RM36,000.

A lawyer who is holding a watching brief for the family of the late Esha explained why Shalini was only fined RM100