Cemar Al-Quran: Lelaki dipenjara 12 bulan, denda RM250,000

A man in Kuantan, Malaysia, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and fined RM250,000 for defacing the Holy Quran and posting the act on social media, according to the Kuantan Sessions Court. The incident occurred on February 22nd when the 21-year-old, identified as S Vikneswaran and a former university student, was caught red-handed while defacing the Quran in Jalan Gambang, Taman Seri Mahkota.

He admitted guilt to both charges, with the court ordering his immediate imprisonment from the date of the verdict, November 12th, for the remaining 12 months upon non-payment of the fine. The judge's ruling was not only meant to discipline the accused but also as a warning to the general public against committing such acts in the future.

The accused's lawyer, Amirull Afiqq Lokman, requested a stay of the prison sentence until an appeal is filed, citing his young son's need for psychiatric treatment. However, the prosecutor opposed the plea, arguing that there were no special circumstances that warranted the court's approval. As a result, the accused began serving his prison sentence immediately, despite the requested delay.

The two charges against him were for defacing the Quran under Section 295 of the Penal Code, which allowed for imprisonment ranging from two years to life or a fine, and for spreading a harmful message through the Threads social media account "ryandaselva." The charges were based on Sections 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act, carrying a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to two years or both, and a subsequent fine of RM5,000 for each day of the offense after the initial warning.

The court found that the accused's social media account and phone number were linked to his family members, confirming his guilt.