Zul Ariffin fined RM30,000 over 'steamy' drama scene IG post

SEPANG - Popular actor Zul Ariffin was fined RM30,000 by the Sessions Court, here, today for uploading a lewd video on his Instagram account in March.

Judge Noorhisham Mohd Jaafar meted out the fine after Zul or his real name Zulkifli Ariffin pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court also ordered him to serve nine months in jail if he fails to pay the fine.

During the proceedings, the "Tarik Aku Ke Syurga” actor who was clad in a grey suit appeared calm as he stood inside the dock.

"Yes, I plead guilty," he said after the charge was read to him.

Based on the charge sheet, Zul had intentionally initiated a communication in a form of a video which was lewd in nature with intention to hurt others.

The video was seen at Tower 1 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in Cyberjaya on March 21.

The offence was committed on March 18.

The charge framed under Section 223 (1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or a years’ jail or both, upon conviction.

MCMC deputy public prosecutor Fazril Sani Mohamed Fadzil urged for a deterrent sentence to be imposed on the accused.

"The prosecution urges for a sentence that reflects the government's strictness over such online content. The sentence handed down must serve as a lesson not only to the accused but also the public," he said.

Meanwhile, Counsel Sivaram Prasad who represented Zul pleaded for leniency saying that his client had deleted the content and will never repeat the offence.

Zul paid the fine.

Previously, Zul Ariffin's name was trending on Twitter after he shared a "steamy” video clip of his drama which was scheduled to be aired in April.