KUCHING: A man was fined RM3,000 in default six months’ imprisonment by the Magistrates’ Court here today (Feb 13) after pleading guilty to possessing a replica pistol in an incident that went viral on Facebook.
Mohammad Shahrul Azwan Khaidir, 31, admitted to the charge read before Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan.
The labourer from Kampung Lintang Baru was charged under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960 for possessing a replica pistol.
The offence was committed along Jalan Kuching-Serian at about 12 pm on Feb 9.
Upon conviction, the offence carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM3,000, or both.
Facts of the case stated that a police officer came across a viral Facebook video that had drawn various public reactions.
The footage showed a man riding a motorcycle while pointing an object resembling a pistol at a pedestrian.
The video caption stated that it was recorded at Mile 12 Kuching-Serian Road and was intended as a joke but caused discomfort among others.
Following a police report, Shahrul was arrested on the same day at about 5 pm at his residence in Kampung Lintang Baru.
Authorities also seized a replica pistol, a motorcycle and clothing believed to have been used during the incident.
Investigations revealed that during the incident, Shahrul rode a motorcycle and used his left hand to point the replica pistol at a male pedestrian.
The prosecution was handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor, Ahmad Fauzulutfi Suriani, while Shahrul was unrepresented.
The case was investigated by Inspector Musyiri Johari.
