'Influencer' Adeline Chang Fined RM7,000 Over Offensive Remarks On Minor's Photo

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According to Malay Mail, the 24-year-old was charged under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which carries a penalty of up to one year's imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM50,000, or both upon conviction.

Chang appeared for her hearing before Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman at the Sepang Sessions Court today, 24 October, accompanied by her sister, Alice Chang.

She had earlier indicated to her lawyer Muhammad Rhastdan Abdul Wahab that she understood the national language.

However, as the charge was read out to her, she requested a Mandarin interpreter, necessitating a pause in proceedings to find one.

"This court has been told you are ill and also undergoing counselling, we take that into consideration when deciding your punishment and thus will impose a fine on you," the judge was quoted as saying.

In delivering the sentence in lieu of six months' jail, Ahmad Fuad criticised Chang for lacking civility, citing it as one of the five Rukunegara principles.

He also advised Chang to stop publicising her personal issues, especially those that could harm others.

Earlier during the hearing, deputy public prosecutor Nazrul Nizam Mohd Zameri described Chang’s actions as cyberbullying, exacerbated by the nature of social media.

"As an influencer, you have a wider reach than others. More of the public will see your posts, and they can cause unease, so be mindful of what you're doing," he said.