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A secondary school English teacher has pleaded not guilty to spreading a false rumour about Zara Qairina Mahathir's death
According to Malay Mail, Siti Hajar Aflah Sharuddin pleaded not guilty at the Sepang Magistrate's Court today, 21 August, to a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for spreading a rumour with the intent to cause fear or alarm to the public.
She allegedly claimed on her TikTok account, @SHA_Abrienda, on 6 August that Zara Qairina had died after being placed in a washing machine.
If convicted, she faces up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously confirmed that police had arrested the teacher for allegedly spreading false information about Zara Qairina
She reportedly admitted to making the statement merely to "make content", according to the New Straits Times.
The court allowed bail at RM4,000 with one surety and fixed 9 October for document submission.
Earlier, the prosecution sought RM10,000, but Siti Hajar's lawyer requested a lower amount, noting that she is an Education Ministry teacher earning about RM5,000 a month, as well as a single mother supporting three children and two elderly parents.
