JOHOR BARU: A 55-year-old man has been arrested to assist in the investigation into a social media post allegedly insulting His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Johor Police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the post, made via social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, account @zatocent, is believed to have been uploaded on Dec 29, 2024.
“A team from the Seri Alam District Police Headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Department apprehended a 55-year-old man in Johor Baru on Dec 30, 2024 at around 7pm.
“The police also seized a mobile phone suspected of being used to access the X application to upload the contentious post,” he said in a statement here on Wednesday (Jan 8).
Comm Kumar added that the investigation file has been referred to the General Crimes and Public Order Unit of the Johor State Prosecution Director’s Office, and charges have been recommended under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948, which pertains to publishing seditious material.
The suspect will be charged at the Johor Baru Magistrate's Court today.
Comm Kumar said that the police will continue to address issues related to 3R (race, religion, and royalty) sentiments on social media.
“Any actions capable of inciting unrest or threatening societal harmony would be dealt with seriously.
“The Johor police will take firm and uncompromising action under the existing legal provisions against any individuals who deliberately disrupt public peace and security,” said Comm Kumar.
