KANGAR, Sept 6 — The remand of a 55-year-old activist detained over social media posts linked to a gathering concerning the demolition of a Hindu temple in Bukit Lagi has been extended by two days as police pursue a separate criminal trespass investigation.
Magistrate Ana Rozana Mohd Nor allowed the police application today for the extension, with the activist being investigated under Section 447 of the Penal Code, Harian Metro reported today.
Kangar district police chief Assistant Commissioner Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop confirmed with the Malay newspaper that the suspect would remain in custody until tomorrow to assist investigations into the alleged criminal trespass.
The activist was initially remanded for two days from September 5 to assist investigations into allegedly inciting social media posts related to the organisation of a gathering over the demolition of the Sri Veera Maha Kaliamman Kovil temple in Bukit Lagi.
He was arrested in Petaling Jaya, Selangor last Thursday following 15 police reports lodged between August 22 and 27 over posts made through his TikTok account.
The earlier investigation is being conducted under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Police had said the posts included a picture promoting the Perhimpunan Merah Maha Kali gathering, which was held at the temple site on August 30.
The temple was demolished by the authorities on August 20, with police previously saying the gathering was believed to have been organised in response to dissatisfaction over the demolition.
Police had also warned that the gathering could potentially trigger racial and religious tensions in Perlis.
