E-HAILING rider P Mahendra Bhoopathy, 53, received a fine of RM4,000 by Magistrate Nurul Saqinah Rosli recently for his video, inquiring about the legality of a mosque under a flyover.
Failure to pay the fine and he could be jailed for seven months.
The video which was uploaded on his Facebook account came with a statement, “kalau kuil India di bawah jambatan haram, yang ini masjid bawah jambatan ‘flyover’ macam mana haram ke halal eh cuba terangkan”.
The offence was committed on Feb 27, 2026 at approximately 12.30 pm at Masjid Jamek Dato’ Bandar Haji Ahmad Rasah, Jalan Rasah, Kampung Dato Mansor here.
Upon conviction, the offence carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The accused, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded for a minimum sentence, stating that he is currently unable to work after his car had to be sent to a workshop following an accident.
“I apologise to all Muslims for having shared the video without any ill intent. I was merely raising a question, but it has caused distress to the Muslim community. I apologise for my mistake and hope you can forgive me and impose a minimal fine,” he was reportedly quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.
He added that, for the time being, he had been renting a car under his company, but it was repossessed after he was detained in police custody.
According to Mahendra, he also has a child and is taking care of his elderly father, besides currently facing financial problems to the point that his house installment payment is five months overdue. —Mar 17, 2026
Main image: Art Melayu blogspot
