PETALING JAYA – The producer of controversial film Babi was charged at the magistrates’ court here today with participating in the making of the movie and displaying posters on it without a licence from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) last November.
Toh Han Boon, 35, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out to him before magistrate Muhammad Iskandar Zainol.
He is accused of committing the offence in Jalan PJU 7/8, Mutiara Damansara here on November 18, 2020 under Section 22(1) of the Finas Act 1981 (Act 244 – Amendment 2013), punishable under Section 25(1) of the same act, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Zamriah Zarifah Aris offered bail at RM8,000 with one surety, and ordered the suspect to surrender his passport to the court and report to the nearest police station once a month until the trial is completed.
During mitigation, lawyer Mohd Haijan, representing Toh, objected to the bail amount offered by the prosecution, saying it is unreasonable for the nature of the offence allegedly committed.
“My client can attend court on the set date. I am also applying for a lower bail, as his income is affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Iskandar allowed the accused bail at RM5,000 with one surety, and fixed October 14 for case mention.
Last December, it was reported that Persatuan Seniman Malaysia had lodged a police report against the film, which was screened abroad, for purportedly having racist elements and tarnishing Malaysia’s image. – Bernama, July 21, 2021
