Kuala lumpur: The Bachok Amanah youth chief pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to a charge of making a false post regarding fuel prices via Threads in March. Abdullah Aqili Romeli, 35, entered the plea after the charge was read out before Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdullah Aqili is accused of knowingly making and initiating the post through his Threads account "@qileybrembo" by uploading a poster containing false information. The offence was allegedly committed on March 31 at approximately 12 pm, with the post being viewed at around 3 pm on the same day at Level 8, MCMC Tower 1, Jalan IMPACT, Cyber 6, Cyberjaya.

He is charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a fine of up to RM500,000, or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, and may also be liable to a further fine of RM5,000 for each day the offence persists after conviction.

Earlier, prosecuting officer Nur Nazhzilah Mohammad Hashim from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) offered bail at RM10,000 with one local surety. However, Abdullah Aqili, who was unrepresented, appealed for a reduced bail, saying that he is self-employed as a car mechanic and earns approximately RM1,500 per month.

He also informed the court that he had travelled from Kelantan to attend today's proceedings with only RM300 in hand, and that he has an adopted child. Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman subsequently allowed Abdullah Aqili bail of RM7,000 with one surety, and set Aug 26 for case mention, pending the appointment of counsel and submission of documents.

In April, Abdullah Aqili expressed regret after being compounded RM25,000 by MCMC over allegations of spreading false information. He later filed an appeal to MCMC against the compound, but it was dismissed.