Retired headmaster fined RM10,000 for online threat against forensic doctor in Zara Qairina inquest

MALAYSIA: A retired primary school headmaster was fined RM10,000 for posting an online threat directed at a forensic pathologist involved in the Zara Qairina Mahathir inquest.

The offender, 61-year-old Kamul Kamarudin, changed his plea to guilty before Sessions Court Judge Marlina Ibrahim on Friday.

Kamul had posted the threatening message at 11pm on September 4 using a Facebook account under the name “Amung Kamaruddin.”

The message allegedly referenced monitoring the doctor’s movements and even mentioned a hit-and-run scenario, clearly intended to intimidate.

Forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu, a key witness in the inquest, read the post the following day at 4.15pm and reported it.

Charged Under the Communications and Multimedia Act

Kamul was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities to make a threatening communication.

The section is punishable under Section 233(2), which allows for:

• a fine of up to RM500,000,
• a maximum two-year jail term, or
• both,
  plus an additional RM5,000 per day if the offence continues after conviction.
  The court imposed a RM10,000 fine, with a default sentence of two months' jail if it is not paid.

Authorities continue to urge social media users to exercise responsibility and avoid posting content that may intimidate or endanger others.