KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detained 29 men, including a foreign national, for promoting and spreading propaganda linked to organisations declared illegal by the government.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 49, were detained during Ops Mega TikTok 2026, conducted from Saturday to Monday (Oct 10 to 12) by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the operation involved 11 police contingents in Selangor, Johor, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Melaka, Sabah and Sarawak.
He said the arrests were made as part of efforts to monitor social media activities and take action against those using such platforms to promote and disseminate propaganda linked to unlawful organisations.
"The suspects are being investigated under several laws, including Sections 47 and 43 of the Societies Act 1966, Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
"Under Section 47 of the Societies Act, those convicted of unlawfully printing, publishing, displaying, selling or possessing materials, symbols or propaganda belonging to unlawful organisations face a maximum fine of RM5,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
"Section 43 of the same Act covers membership of, participation in meetings of, or assistance to unlawful organisations. Those convicted face a maximum fine of RM5,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 14).
Meanwhile, offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act involve entering or remaining in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit, he added.
"If convicted, offenders face a fine of at least RM10,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, and may also be subject to a maximum of six strokes of the cane.
"Offences under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act involve improper use of network facilities or services, carrying a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both," he added.
Comm Kumar said all the suspects were being detained under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, with investigations underway to determine their roles in the group and possible involvement in other criminal activities.
He said the police remained committed to safeguarding national security and would continue coordinated preventive and enforcement operations to combat organised crime.
He added that firm action would be taken against those who deliberately shared video recordings that could cause public concern.
The public is urged to provide information on suspected organised criminal activities through official police channels or at the nearest police station.
Comm Kumar said public cooperation was crucial in helping the police combat crime and maintain national peace and security.
