Four foreigners arrested over derogatory message mocking religion on pizzeria receipt

GEORGE TOWN: Four foreigners have been arrested over a derogatory message mocking religion printed on a pizzeria receipt.

Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the arrests were made after 17 police reports were lodged regarding the incident.

"A woman and three men aged 19 to 67 have been arrested to facilitate the investigation. They were arrested at a shack near a durian orchard in Sungai Ara on May 16," he said.

Comm Hamzah told reporters at the state contingent police headquarters in Penang Road on Thursday (May 23) that three of the suspects have been remanded until June 3, while the 67-year-old man is out on police bail.

Statements have also been recorded from several other witnesses, he added.

Last week, police initiated investigations into a derogatory message mocking Islam that was printed on a pizzeria receipt.

Southwest OCPD Supt Kamarul Rizal Jenal said the incident allegedly occurred at Kenari Avenue around 3.05pm on May 15.

A photo of the receipt was then circulated on X (formerly Twitter) on May 16.

The case is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act for hurting religious feelings and using insulting or abusive words with intent to provoke a breach of peace.