31-07-2025
Nasi lemak seller claims trial to extortion charge over nude photos
GEORGE TOWN: A nasi lemak seller was charged at the magistrate's court here today with extortion by threatening to distribute nude photos of a man he met on a same-sex dating app last week.
S. Chandran, 35, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him before magistrate Muhammad Amzar Ismail.
Chandran is charged with committing extortion by causing fear in Mohamad Hanif Hamid, 33, that his nude photos would be shared.
The act prompted the victim to transfer a total of RM8,400 in cash to the accused online.
He is alleged to have committed the offence at a residential unit on Jalan Kelawai here, between 2am and 11.30am on July 22.
The charge was framed under Section 384 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum imprisonment of 10 years, a fine, whipping, or any two of the punishments upon conviction.
During the proceeding, deputy public prosecutor Syairah Aqilah Khalil told the court that the offence was non-bailable.
"However, I leave it to the discretion of the court.
"If bail is granted, we request that additional conditions be imposed," she said.
The accused's counsel, A. Mahesh, requested minimum bail, citing that his client was a nasi lemak seller and needed to care for his elderly mother.
"He also suffers from breathing problems that require treatment at Penang Hospital.
"With a permanent address in Penang, he is of no flight risk.
"He has been cooperative from the very beginning by voluntarily surrendering himself at the police station to assist with the investigation," he added.
The court then allowed the accused bail of RM3,500 with one surety.
The court also imposed an additional condition prohibiting the accused from disturbing the victim until the case is resolved.
The court set Sept 2 for mention and document submission.
