In a disturbing case that highlights the invasion of privacy, a 25-year-old accountant, Chong Soon Hoe, was fined RM4,500 by the Magistrate’s Court in Ayer Keroh for installing a mini camera in a ladies’ toilet.
The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman after Chong pleaded guilty to the offence.
Placed camera on a tissue holder inside ladies’ restroom
The incident occurred at an office premises along Jalan Tun Perak in the Melaka Tengah district on May 7 at 4:30 pm. Chong, without anyone’s knowledge, placed a camera on a tissue holder inside the ladies’ restroom, an act that violated the modesty of a 28-year-old female colleague, reported The Star.
Chong was charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which pertains to insulting the modesty of a woman. This offence carries a penalty of up to a five-year jail term or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Victim’s image had been recorded while using restroom
According to the prosecution led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Farah Nabihah Sofian, the victim, a tax consultant, discovered the mini camera on May 7.
Upon investigation, she found that her image had been recorded while she was using the restroom. Subsequent examination revealed that the CCTV was installed by Chong.
Plea for leniency and good behaviour bond
During the court proceedings, Chong’s lawyer, Kent Tan Chow Teng, emphasised that his client is a first-class honours degree holder in accountancy with no prior criminal record.
Tan also highlighted Chong’s responsibilities towards his sickly parents, as he is their only child. Additionally, Chong expressed intentions to pursue further studies in Singapore.
Tan appealed to the court to exercise discretion and grant Chong a good behaviour bond under Section 294 of the Criminal Procedure Code, thus avoiding imprisonment.
The court, while acknowledging Chong’s circumstances, imposed the fine, with a default sentence of six months’ imprisonment if the fine was not paid. Chong complied with the verdict and paid the fine.
