Court Acquits Gombak Setia Assemblyman Hilman Idham Over TikTok Video Charge

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 – Gombak Setia assemblyman Muhammad Hilman Idham has been acquitted and discharged by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday of a charge involving a TikTok statement that was alleged to have the potential to cause public alarm.

Delivering the verdict at the close of the prosecution’s case, Magistrate Nurul Izzah Hasan Basri ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish the essential elements required under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code. “In conclusion, the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused at the close of the prosecution’s case. Therefore, the accused is acquitted and discharged without being called to enter his defence. The RM4,000 bail is to be returned,” said Nurul Izzah.

According to the charge sheet, Hilman was alleged to have made a statement on TikTok at 2:09 pm on July 30, 2025, that could cause public alarm and induce individuals to commit an offense against public order. The video link in question was reportedly viewed by a police officer from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department at Menara KPJ in Kuala Lumpur.

The charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction. During Wednesday’s proceedings, Hilman was represented by defense attorneys Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali and Nur Mustanir Md Nor, while Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Farhanah Arul Hisham appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

–NMT