[UPDATED] Restaurant worker charged with supporting, being Islamic State member

KUALA LUMPUR – A 35-year-old man has been charged at the Kuala Lumper sessions court today with three counts of supporting the Islamic State (IS), including for being a member.

Muhammad Muzzamil Mohd Mohlis was also charged with supporting the jihadist group by using Facebook and Telegram and possessing materials related to IS.

He was charged before judge Datin Fadzlin Suraya Mohd Suah this morning, but no plea was recorded today as terrorism cases are tried in the high court.

Muzzamil, who works at a restaurant in KL, faces a maximum of 40 years in jail if convicted for the offences under the Penal Code. If convicted of being a member of the IS, he faces life in prison.

The first charge against Muzzamil states he had knowingly professed membership in IS by performing a bai’ah (pledge of loyalty) ceremony for Abu Hafs AL Hashimi Al-Qurashi, the IS’ current “caliph” or leader.

He was accused of committing the offence in May at the Sri Melaka flats in Cheras, here.

This charge under Section 130J(2)(d) of the Penal Code carries a life sentence, a maximum 40-year prison term, or a fine, with the property used to allegedly commit the offence seized.

His charge of supporting IS alleges he used Facebook under the name “Ibn Nuhas” and Telegram under the name “Wilayah Maliziyah”, spelled in Arabic.

This charge under Section 130J(1)(a) carries a maximum jail term of 40 years, or a fine, with the seizure of property used to commit the offence.

The third charge of possessing articles and videos related to IS was based on a sighting of the materials by the Bukit Aman Special Branch’s Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) on May 31.

If found guilty, the charge under Section 130JB(1)(a) carries a maximum of seven years in jail, or a fine, and property seizure.

The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutor Maryam Jamielah Ab Manaff, while the accused was unrepresented.

Maryam requested two months to prepare and submit documents related to this case, including reports from anti-terror experts.

The offence is non-bailable. The court also fixed August 29 for case mention. – June 25, 2024