KUALA LUMPUR – A businessman has claimed trial after being charged with not wearing a face mask in public, following a viral video of him allegedly being verbally abusive to a nasi lemak seller, her daughter, and a customer in Taman Desa here.
J. Shyamalan, 33, also pleaded not guilty to uttering offensive words to Cherrilyn De Centino – a charge levelled at him under Section 509 of the Penal Code.
He allegedly committed the offences at a nasi lemak stall in Jalan Desa Bakti, Taman Desa, here, at about 10.30am on July 18, reported The Star.
For the first charge of failing to wear a face mask in public, Shyamalan faces a maximum RM50,000 fine or six months’ jail, or both, upon conviction, under Rule 17(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Regulations 2021.
As for the second offence, he faces a maximum five-year jail term or a fine at the court’s discretion, or both, if found guilty.
Magistrate Wong Chai Sia imposed bail of RM1,500 with one surety for the first charge, and bail of RM2,500 with one surety for the second. Case mention is set for August 24.
Who is this thrash? pic.twitter.com/QMEHRCC97B
— ?????? ???? (@Mausterz) July 18, 2021
Shyamalan was represented by John Das, while the prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutor Wan Ahmad Hakimi Wan Ahmad Jaafar.
On Tuesday, police arrested the accused at his house after a video of him allegedly shouting at the individuals went viral.
He reportedly caused a scene at the stall, and allegedly threatened violence after he was told to put on a face mask by the seller.
Police said Shyamalan will be investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation and violating standard operating procedures under Rule 17(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2021.
Another video of the same man – this time shouting vulgar words at a gym – has also been circulating on social media since the nasi lemak stall incident happened. – The Vibes, July 22, 2021
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