Expect to pay up to RM50,000 for revealing a partner's personal stories on social media

SHAH ALAM - Revealing a partner's personal stories on social media can lead to a prison sentence of not more than one year or a fine of RM50,000.

Lawyer Datuk Ikbal Salam said the offence was placed under Section 233 (1) (a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) relating to the delivery of words that are obscene and ugly in nature.

"Many harmful consequences can come from exposing an individual's personal story and according to Islamic law, the religion has outlined the guidelines for us to cover another's personal story or shame.

Now individuals who took the time to open up would now be unfairly judged by society instead of the authorities," he told Sinar on Sunday.

On Saturday Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar ordered the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to lodge a report towards a woman managing a Telegram account with inappropriate content.

The woman was active in uploading sexual content, opening up personal stories of partners and openly sharing her sexual activities.

Ikbal said with the wide reach of social media, it is worrying if children were to be exposed to such content.

He said tdiscussions on intimacy should only be done in situations that call for it such as gaining medical advice from doctors towards something or something said in a legal proceeding.

"When such discussions were brought up openly it could lead to more harm rather than benefits as the reputation of partners would be damaged due to such words used specifically to shame them.

"There will be some parties that take advantage of such tools to lower a partner's self-esteem when it is displayed publicly this could als be the cause of prolonged polemics.

Meanwhile, legal expert Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod said social media must have specific limitations to prevent these platforms from being used for pornographic content and promoting sex.

"Police reports and reports made to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are enough for the authorities to investigate. My view is we have the rights to our own freedom and such, but those rights and freedom are subjected to to morality and religion.

"Let the authorities investigate and if there's an offence they must be charged in court," he explained.