Bukit Aman confirms probe of chimp drawing in social media post

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has confirmed that it has begun investigating the drawing of a chimpanzee cartoon character dressed in what looks like royal attire that was posted on social media.

Federal CID director Comm Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hasan said the post received over 12,000 responses, 3,400 comments and was shared 966 times.

"The post has angered many (social media users) who described it as extreme.

"Investigations are being conducted by the Bukit Aman CID Special Investigations Unit under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act," he said in a statement on Thursday (April 14).

He urged the public to be cautious over matters that touch on the royal institution as well as religious and racial sensitivities.

"The public should be smart and courteous social media users and not use the platform for actions which could cause public anxiousness and threaten national harmony.

"Stern action without compromise will be taken against anyone who intentionally threatens public order and national security," he said.

It was earlier reported that graphic artist and designer Fahmi Reza was arrested by police over his drawing of chimpanzee cartoon character Mojo Jojo from the cartoon series "The Powerpuff Girls" dressed in what looks like royal attire.

Fahmi's lawyer Rajsurian Pillai said his client was arrested at around 4.20pm on Thursday.

"The arrest was made by the Bukit Aman Special Investigations Unit at Dang Wangi police headquarters," he said when contacted.