KUALA LUMPUR — The Attorney-General’s Chambers has granted approval for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to impose RM10,000 fines on comedian Harith Iskander and Facebook user Cecelia Yap for improper use of network facilities.
In a statement tonight, MCMC confirmed that both individuals will be penalised under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, based on provisions from before its amendment on February 11.
Harith had posted a sarcastic remark on Facebook, joking that his faith was shaken after seeing a menu advertising “Ham Sap Coffee” because it contained the word “ham.”
His post was met with a comment from Yap, who allegedly made remarks linking the joke to Prophet Muhammad, which were deemed offensive to Islam.
A total of 16 police reports were lodged against Harith and Yap over their comments, which came amid controversy surrounding the sale of ham sandwiches allegedly lacking halal certification at a convenience store at Universiti Malaya.
MCMC stated that Meta had already removed the offending post and comment before receiving a takedown request from the commission, as they violated Facebook’s community guidelines. — March 5, 2025