Influencer’s Behaviour Reflects a Deep Lack of Respect

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10, 2025: The recent case of a social media influencer making lewd comments about a woman during a livestream is yet another reminder of how easily decency is discarded for attention.

Despite his public apology, such behaviour cannot — and should not — be excused. His conduct was not a careless joke; it was a blatant act of disrespect and humiliation towards another person.

Equally troubling was the reaction of his wife - also an influencer - who was seen laughing it off. By doing so, she became complicit in normalising this kind of verbal abuse.

Both should feel ashamed — not only for their actions, but for what their behaviour teaches their followers about empathy and accountability.

The woman, 26-year-old Russian model Alisa Kasimova, said she filed the report after discovering that she had been recorded without her knowledge while dining at a restaurant in Bukit Bintang.

.

During the livestream, the influencer had allegedly made several obscene remarks about her, sparking public backlash online.

Alisa said she decided to take action after receiving advice and concern from others regarding her safety.

"[Many have] told me to go to the police, and I did. I did it not out of anger, but because silence only protects those who hurt others," she wrote on Threads.

Under Section 509 of the Penal Code, it is an offence to use any word or gesture intended to insult the modesty of a person. This section covers acts such as making obscene remarks, gestures, or comments that violate a person’s dignity. Conviction can lead to imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both.

Meanwhile, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 criminalises the improper use of network facilities — including the sharing or transmission of any communication that is obscene, indecent, false, menacing, or offensive with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass others. Offenders may face a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both.

This incident highlights a worrying trend where some influencers exploit their platforms for shock value, disregarding the real harm they cause. Social media fame is not a shield against the law — nor should it be a licence to demean others.