KUALA LUMPUR: Freedom of expression must not be misused to the point that it hurts others, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said social media was rife with racial slurs, with harsh and disgusting comments made online.
"Many may ask about freedom of speech – but to what extent? Is it to the point of saying such things?" he said.
"Has action been taken against such individuals? Yes. Will there be charges in court? We leave that to the police.
"The main point is if we can make such statements and claim freedom of speech," he said when winding up debates on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address on Monday (Feb 9).
He was responding to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) who if action would be taken against those making seditious comments online.
On the rally to protest allegedly illegal temples, Saifuddin Nasution said arrests were made under the Sedition Act and Criminal Procedure Code.
However, he said he was not informed of any developments, including if they will be charged.
On Saturday (Jan 7), 19 individuals were detained over the rally.
On another matter, the minister said proposed amendments to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) are expected to be brought to Parliament in July or August.
The Cabinet, he said, has agreed in principle on the amendments.
Among the amendments, he said, are classifications based on the severity of offences.
"If an offence brings about a heavy prison sentence of between 20 to 30 years, we are inclined towards denying bail.
"For offences with lighter sentences, the decision on whether bail is permitted may be approved by either the magistrate or deputy public prosecutor," he said.
He also said that the government was at the possibility of establishing a special court to handle Sosma cases.
"Among the heaviest criticisms against Sosma is that those involved are not allowed bail and face a lengthy judicial process," he said.
On human trafficking and job scam cases, the Home Minister said there were fewer cases in 2025, with the number of police reports and victims dropping by 42% and 39% respectively.
From 2021 to January 2026, he said police received 563 cases involving 722 victims.
Of this number, 597 victims (83%) had been rescued and brought back to Malaysia.
"We are not just waiting for reports. We are aggressively cutting the syndicates' supply chain through a series of operations in Johor and the Klang Valley," he said, adding that 29 individuals believed to be human trafficking agents have been arrested and are expected to be charged under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
Separately, Saifuddin Nasution said that the MyKad is only an identification device, dispelling claims that it can be used to track and monitor people's daily movements.
"It is just an identification card to verify us as Malaysians. There are no location tracking features so we cannot say it is used to monitor us," he said.
