JOHOR BARU, Nov 24 — A man suspected of posting an offensive statement against the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, and the Tunku Mahkota of Johor (TMJ), Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, on a website recently was arrested in Bayan Baru, Penang, last night.
Johor Police chief Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd said the 34-year-old man was being detained at the Bayan Baru police station for investigation. According to him, the arrest was made following a police report lodged on the offensive post uploaded on forum.lowyat.net which he said could disrupt harmony and prosperity in the country.
“We also seized a SIM card and a handphone believed to have been used to upload the offensive statement,” he said in a statement here today. The case is being investigated under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which provides for a fine of up to RM50,000 or two year’s jail or both, on conviction.
Meanwhile, Wan Ahmad Najmuddin advised the public not to misuse application services to send offensive messages which caused much annoyance and inconvenience to others.
As a country with people of different religions and races, having respect for each other within our civil society is important to ensure peace and harmony, he said.
“I wish to warn that the police will not compromise and will take stern action against those involved,” he said. — Bernama
