Is it a legal offence to insult someone?

YES, it is true that it is an offence in Malaysia to insult someone.

Calling someone an “idiot” or other insulting names could get you in trouble with the law. The same applies if you post such insults on social media too.

Using insulting words is considered an offence under Malaysian laws - an action that can cost you a fine of up to RM100.

So if you find yourself in a fit of anger and feel tempted to hurl insults at someone, it's best to hold your tongue.

The offence is listed under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act, which reads as follows:

Insulting behaviour

14. Any person who uses any indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting words, or behaves in a threatening or insulting manner, or posts up or affixes or exhibits any indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting written paper or drawing with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, or whereby a breach of the peace is likely to be occasioned, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred ringgit.

An example of an offence under this law could be using inappropriate words like “idiot” or “moron,” said senior criminal defense lawyer and former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir.

“The use of such words may be caught within the realm of Section 14, unless the context in which the words were used have been justified,” he said.

The intention to breach the peace with such insults must also be proven.

As for insulting someone online - such as by posting up a comment on social media - can also fall under Section 14 of the Act.

“This is because Section 14 can be used for any form of writing, including social media platforms. On top of that, one can also be charged under other laws including the Communications and Multimedia Act and Penal Code,” said Salim.

He added that there have been other scenarios where Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act was applied, due to its wide context.

“There were situations when a person was charged with this law, although that particular offence may not squarely fall within the ambit of Section 14. Examples include cases of peeping Toms, exhibiting inappropriate gestures in public, or even cases of photographing indecent acts,” said Salim.

An example of this would be a case in March of this year, when a woman was charged under Section 14 of the Act for spraying green paint on three vehicles.