KLANG: Kryadarshni Kanapathy, a partner in a legal firm, remembers how one of its lawyers was attacked relentlessly with vulgarity and sexual abuse for sharing legal opinions on TikTok.
The woman was harassed in a live session on the popular social media platform by a group of users.
“The man and his gang of bullies made hundreds of calls to our business mobile phone, which is on 24 hours, and spewed vulgarity and threats.
“Two paralegals and an administrative staff member resigned because they could not tolerate the incessant harassment.
“To this day, that lawyer remains traumatised by the incident,” said Kryadarshni.
The main bully, she said, had even put up the lawyer’s photo on his live feed and made various nefarious threats against her and her family.
Another victim of these bullies was Terrance Mikail Miranda, who was subjected to two full days of humiliation by the group.
“I didn’t know them, but, curiously, they had a lot of information about me that only family members and close friends would know.
“I wonder if they were hired to tarnish my reputation,’’ said the bistro owner.
Terrance said he may lodge a second police report about the incident soon.
“I will also be filing a defamation suit because there were just so many lies and untruths that were mentioned in the live session and a video,’’ he fumed.
Cyberbullying came to the fore recently following the death of 30-year-old Rajeswary Appahu, a social media influencer and Hindu rights activist better known as Esha, on July 5 after she was hounded online.
Lorry driver B. Sathiskumar, 44, and psychiatric nursing home operator Shalini Periasamy, 35, were later arrested and charged with cyberbullying Rajeswary.
Sathiskumar was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 509 of the Penal Code, while Shalini was charged under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act.
Shalini was fined only RM100, which was the maximum penalty provided for under that Act.
Sathiskumar’s case is still pending in court.
Another social media entrepreneur nearly lost her life after a former business ally became aggressive towards her, if not for her parents’ timely intervention.
“The torment went on with her putting up a video in 2022 alleging that I had hired people to harm her,’’ said the victim, who wanted to be known only as Rani, 29.
As a result, her name was sullied, and her cosmetics dealership business suffered.
“I am still struggling to bring up my business,’’ she added.
Rani then took her case to court and agreed to go for mediation, but after spending about RM30,000, she has yet to find closure.
“I am still waiting for the public apology, as agreed by the perpetrator,” she said.
According to consultant psychiatrist Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj, the emotional impact of being mass-bullied on social media is profound.
“When a person becomes the target of mass bullying, and after the initial attack has been instigated by the main bully, the victim’s self-esteem will be rapidly eroded.
“This bombardment of negative comments can make the victim question their value, self-worth and self-respect,’’ said Dr Andrew, who is also the president of both the Malaysian and Selangor mental health associations.
He added that when victims feel they are no longer in control of the situation, they could develop post-traumatic stress disorder that might give rise to suicidal thoughts.
“The consequences of mass bullying leave lasting emotional scars and long-term trauma,’’ he said.
Those suffering from mental health issues or suicidal thoughts can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929). Visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a complete list of numbers and operating hours, or email: sam@befrienders.org.my.
