Kuala Lumpur: A father of five was fined RM6,000 by the Magistrates’ Court after admitting to threatening a Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officer regarding a balloon vendor incident in March.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 57-year-old clothing trader, Mustafa Sulaiman, faced the court where Magistrate Farah Nabihah Muhamad Dan emphasized that public interest must be prioritized. She highlighted that Mustafa’s comments were equivalent to ‘pouring fuel on fire’. Mustafa received a fine of RM2,000 for the first charge, with an alternative of two months’ imprisonment, and RM4,000 for the second charge, or a three-month jail term if he defaults on the payment.

Mustafa was accused of making statements intended to provoke offences against DBKL officer Mohammad Shahli Zaini Mohd Zulkepli. This charge falls under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which stipulates a maximum punishment of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Furthermore, Mustafa faced charges of criminal intimidation for sending a threatening WhatsApp message to the officer, suggesting potential harm or death. This allegation is under Section 506 of the Penal Code, which carries a potential seven-year imprisonment, a fine, or both. The incidents occurred at the DBKL Enforcement Tower in Cheras on April 7.

Mustafa’s legal representative, Dzafir Firdaus Ahmad Zubairy, requested a reduced fine, highlighting Mustafa’s responsibilities as the sole provider for his family, which includes his wife, five children, and mother-in-law. Dzafir argued that the WhatsApp message, shared in a group chat, didn’t constitute incitement.

Conversely, Deputy public prosecutor Amritpreet Kaur Randhawa advocated for a stricter sentence, asserting that the WhatsApp evidence included clear threats, incitement, and intimidation aimed at a DBKL officer performing official duties. She argued that Mustafa’s actions were intended to damage the Mayor’s reputation and incite harm against DBKL personnel.