The trial of a mobile phone shop owner charged with spreading a comment insulting the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, on a website opened in the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court today with technical evidence.

The prosecution called its first witness, Nor Haliza Masri, 29, an information technology officer from the Perak Secretary's office, who walked the court through the technical details of Internet usage.

In the dock was Rutinin Suhaimin, 36, charged with committing the offence at Block A, Lot 4, Kedai Sedco, Kundasang in Ranau at 6.33pm on Feb 13.

If convicted, he faces up to five years' jail or a fine not exceeding RM50,000 under Section 233 (3) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Rutinin was represented by counsel Muammar Julkarnain while deputy public prosecutor Salim Soib appeared for the prosecution.

The hearing before judge Zaini Fishir continues tomorrow.

Arrested for scratching sultan's picture

Meanwhile, a man who is believed to have scratched a picture of Sultan Azlan at the Perak Turf Club building two days ago has been detained by the police in Ipoh.

Ipoh district police chief ACP Azisman Alias said the incident happened at about 10pm and the man, aged 40, was detained at his house about two hours later following a complaint by a security guard at the premises.

He said the man would be remanded for five days to assist police investigation.

"We have yet to ascertain his motive for damaging the sultan's picture," he added.

- Bernama