In a recent development, the police have apprehended two individuals for allegedly insulting the Royal institution via their social media posts. The 41-year-old administrator of the Facebook page ‘Flat Earth Malaysia’ was taken into custody in Kampung Sungai Kati, Ipoh, Perak, for his derogatory comments about the Johor Royal institution. Meanwhile, the 47-year-old owner of the Facebook page ‘Iman Mustaqim’ was arrested in Langkap, Perak, on charges of posting offensive content aimed at Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. Both individuals have been remanded for three days, until September 2, for further investigation, as per Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, disclosed that these cases fall under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. He urged the public to exercise wisdom and caution when using social media, emphasizing the importance of avoiding statements that could disrupt harmony and unity, especially concerning issues related to rulers, religion, and race.