By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, July 16: A 25-year-old man was fined RM3,500 or in default 10 months’ imprisonment by the Magistrates’ Court today after pleading guilty to uploading a video linked to the unlawful group known as ‘Geng 04’ on TikTok.
John Lau Kaw Soon admitted to the charge framed under Section 47 of the Societies Act 1966, which provides for a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5,000, or both.
Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan handed down the sentence after considering the facts of the case.
The offence was committed on Sept 16, 2024, at a location in Batu Kawa.
Police initiated investigations after discovering a TikTok video on March 3, 2025, shared via a link by a user under the handle @johnlau810 with the display name ‘Tokey Holo’. Further checks confirmed that the account belonged to Lau.
Investigations revealed Lau had used his mobile phone to upload content promoting ‘Geng 04’, an organisation banned under Malaysian law. His actions were deemed to be propagating secret society-related activities.
Lau was arrested on the same day the video surfaced online.
Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin prosecuted the case, while Lau appeared in court unrepresented. — DayakDaily
