Ex-Student Jailed 12 Months, Fined RM250,000 for Quran Desecration

A former university student has been jailed 12 months and fined RM250,000 by the Kuantan Sessions Court for Quran desecration and for posting grossly offensive content on social media, The Star reported, citing Bernama.

Judge Harmi Thamri Mohamad handed down the sentence on Thursday (Nov 12) after S. Vikneswaran, 21, pleaded guilty to both charges. The jail term runs from Nov 12, and he faces another 12 months in prison if he fails to pay the fine.

The judge said the sentence was meant to teach the accused a lesson and also to warn the public against similar offences.

Ex-Student Quran Desecration

Under the first charge, he was accused of desecrating the Quran with the intention of insulting Islam at Jalan Gambang, Taman Seri Mahkota, Kuantan, at about 1.30pm on Feb 22. The charge was brought under Section 295 of the Penal Code, which the report said carries up to two years’ jail, a fine, or both.

The second charge said he knowingly used the Threads account “ryandaselva” to post a grossly offensive communication intended to cause distress. It was brought under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which the report said carries a fine of up to RM500,000, up to two years’ jail, or both.

Stay of Execution Rejected

Defence lawyer Muhammad Amirull Afiqq Mohamad Lokman sought a stay of the jail sentence pending appeal, citing his client’s scheduled psychiatric treatment appointments.

Pahang state prosecution director Mohd Sabri Othman opposed the bid, arguing there were no special circumstances to justify it. The accused began serving his sentence on Thursday.

How the Case Came to Light

The case surfaced after the accused’s father, the complainant, was told by his daughter on Feb 24 about a viral video on Threads showing the act. When the father contacted him, the accused admitted he was the person in the video.

Investigations found the act was committed at a house in Taman Seri Mahkota Aman. He was arrested at 3.30pm on Feb 25, and police seized his mobile phone and a copy of the Quran. Social media analysis and telecommunications reports confirmed the account and phone numbers belonged to the accused and his family.

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Ex-Student Jailed 12 Months, Fined RM250,000 for Quran Desecration