KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 ― The police announced today that English daily The Star is being investigated over an inappropriate front page, including under the Sedition Act 1948.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar was quoted saying by Berita Harian that the two investigation papers have been opened over the case, with the other under Section 298A of the Penal Code that deals with religious harmony.

"We will call those responsible and take their statements to know who published the photo and headline on the daily’s front page on Saturday,” Khalid was reported saying.

Khalid said the investigations were started following many police reports against the paper’s front page.

Section 298A handles the offence of "causing disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion”.

Yesterday, the Home Ministry had given The Star seven days to respond to a show cause letter served on the publication over an inappropriate front page.

The ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim said the publication must explain why action should not be taken against it, including having its printing licence suspended under the Printing and Publications Act 1984.

The Star has already published an apology but multiple groups including several political parties and NGOs called for stern action to be taken.