Sharing videos, images of hit-and-run case risks fine, jail time, says MCMC

 

Zarul Fitri Zamrie (right) said the sharing of the videos of his younger brother Zaharif Affendi after the hit-and-run incident, had affected the family emotionally.

PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya will take action against netizens who continue to share video clips or photos related to the recent death of a teenager in a hit-and-run incident in Ipoh.

In a statement, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said legal action could be taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA).

The section stipulates offences of using network facilities to “transmit communication deemed to be offensive or could cause annoyance to another person”.

Under the Act, a person is liable to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding a year, or both.

MCMC also urged social media users to remove content related to the incident, out of respect for the victim and his family.

“Sharing pictures or videos of the victim will not only hurt the feelings of the victim’s families but also violate basic principles and ethics.”

It also reminded the public to refrain from speculating about the case.

Earlier today, a senior police officer was tentatively charged at the magistrates’ court in Ipoh with killing 17-year-old student Zaharif Affendi Zamrie after a car chase near his school in Meru, Perak last Friday.

No plea was recorded as the case falls under the High Court’s jurisdiction. He will be formally charged and a plea recorded when the case is transferred to the High Court.

Talking to the media later, the victim’s family appealed to the public to remove postings of the videos and photos and also to stop sharing them on social media.

Zaharif’s elder brother, Zarul Fitri, 29, said the sharing of the videos had affected the family emotionally. - FMT