KUALA LUMPUR – Astro Awani will give full cooperation in a police investigation into one of its news presenters over coverage of the Kelantan burger seller who was slapped with a RM50,000 compound.
The presenter had allegedly slandered police while on air.
It was reported yesterday that the presenter’s alleged statement had caused animosity from the public towards law enforcers, especially police.
Berita Harian quoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani as saying that the case is being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the communications and multimedia act for abuse of network facilities.
Section 504 refers to anyone who intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to, any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace or commit any other offence.
In the 44-second clip, which has gone viral, the presenter criticised the RM50,000 fine on the burger seller.
“While some have their brains on top, some act as though their brains are on their knees by imposing a RM50,000 compound on small traders, who were merely doing business in their own villages,” the presenter allegedly said.
On April 25, a burger seller at Kg Rambutan Rendang near Kota Baru, Kelantan, was issued a RM50,000 fine for violating the movement control order, including operating beyond 10pm.
Kota Baru police chief Abdul Rahim Daud said the man also violated standard operating procedures by setting up tables for customers and failing to provide a body temperature scanner.
“Due to the offences, we issued the maximum compound of RM50,000. However, he can appeal to the Health Ministry for a reduction.”
The burger seller, Wan Mohd Faisal Wan Kadir, 38, said the incident happened at about 11.10pm, adding that there were no customers at the stall when policemen approached him.
“I had folded the tables, but hadn’t closed the stall, as I was preparing orders for factory workers,” he said, adding that he had been slapped with a RM1,000 compound previously for the same offence. – The Vibes, May 1, 2021
