IPOH: A bank officer claimed trial at a Magistrate’s Court here to two counts of insulting the modesty of a female employee by allegedly sending her obscene WhatsApp messages.
Rosman Jamaluddin, 52, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate S. Punitha on Friday (Oct 4).
According to the charge sheet, the accused had, at 10.52am on May 20, 2021 at a house in Jalan Perajurit at Ipoh Garden East, sent an obscene message to Kok Wai Ling, 38, with intent to insult her modesty.
For the second charge, was accused of sending a similar message to the victim at 12.08am on Aug 18, 2021.
The charges were framed under Section 509 of the Penal Code for insulting modesty, which carries up to five years' jail, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
The accused was represented by Khairilazwar Khalil, and the case was prosecuted by DPP Nurul Hidayu Zakaria.
Nurul requested for a RM5,000 bail with the added condition that the accused must not disturb the victim.
During mitigation, Khairilazwar said his client was married with four children, was looking after his ailing mother, and was suffering from high blood pressure and a slipped disc.
Khairilazwar also asked the court to issue an order preventing the case from being discussed on social media before a ruling is delivered.
According to him, the actions of certain parties discussing the case on social media had caused the accused to face cyberbullying.
As such, he said his client had to seek psychiatric treatment and go on leave.
Punitha fixed bail at RM2,500, with the additional condition that the accused is not to disturb the victim.
The court did not issue any gag order but advised the prosecution and police to ensure that no prejudicial comments on the case are made on social media.
She also set Nov 25 for next mention.
