A 21-year-old mobile phone kiosk operator from Bukit Mertajam, Penang was fined RM10,000 by a magistrate’s court for having a laptop containing pornographic video clips saved in a few folders.

Tang Wei Khang from Taman Juru pleaded guilty to committing the offence at J & S Communication Trading sales counter in Megamal Pinang complex, Prai at 8.50pm on Aug 24.

The offence, under Section 5(1)(a) of the Film Censorship Act 2002, is punishable under Section 5(2) of the same Act.

Under the Act, an offender can be slapped with a minimum fine of RM10,000 or a maximum fine of RM50,000 or jailed up to five years or both.

Prosecuting officer Alias Md Yusof had pressed for a stiff penalty, stressing that porn material was among the main causes of immoral activities among youths, including baby dumping.

Tang, who was not represented, pleaded for a lenient sentence as this was his first offence.

He also promised not to repeat the offence.

Magistrate Arif Mohd Sharif then ordered Tang to pay RM10,000 within six months.

Tang, who was accompanied by his family members, paid the fine.