RM100 fine in Esha cyberbullying case not a deterrent, says Fahmi


KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has voiced his disappointment with the RM100 fine imposed on a woman in the cyberbullying case of late Hindu rights activist and influencer A. Rajeswary, or Esha.

Welfare home owner Shalini Periasamy was fined on Tuesday (July 16) after pleading guilty in a Magistrate's Court here to insulting behaviour intending to incite anger and disturb the peace.

ALSO READ: New rules mulled after activist’s death

Quoted in various media reports on Wednesday (July 17), Fahmi said that although he was dismayed by the fine's amount, he understood that the penalty was based on evidence gathered by the Attorney General's Chambers.

"We need to review the definition of cyberbullying and set the appropriate penalties for it," he told reporters after delivering the keynote address at the KL Startup Summit 2024 here.

ALSO READ: Cyberbullying: Two plead guilty to communications offences linked to Esha's death

He noted that the fine would not be much of a deterrent, given that the offence had led to a person's death.

Rajeswary, 30, was found dead in a condominium unit in Setapak on July 5, a day after lodging a police report at the Dang Wangi police station here over threats made against her.

More to come

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

MAG: All necessary flight cancellations for August, September completed
KL sinkhole: Rescuers use net at IWK sewage plant to search for victim
KL sinkhole: SAR team employed various methods in search, including bottle test, says IGP
KL sinkhole: Frankie and Denti return to search for victim
Ex-policeman jailed for a day, fined for robbery
Petrol station found selling overpriced diesel in Parit Buntar
17,000 participants to wow visitors at National Day parade
Time to restore people's confidence in Malaysia Airlines, says Dr Wee
Police step up control at GOF posts nationwide to check spread of mpox, says IGP
HDC appointed as Secretariat of Malaysian Halal Council

Others Also Read