KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Sept 6, 2025 – Malaysian police have arrested a 47-year-old man suspected of delivering a seditious speech in a viral video that allegedly contained unfounded claims about the country’s royal institution, authorities announced on Friday.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) detected the video on September 4, posted on the TikTok account @4mrankiamat , featuring an individual identified as Chegu Bard giving a talk with elements of incitement. The clip quickly spread across social media, prompting an immediate probe by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (D5) within the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department.
The case is being investigated under multiple laws, including Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a potential fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both for acts with seditious tendencies. It also falls under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, addressing statements that could cause public mischief or alarm, punishable by up to two years in jail, a fine, or both. Additionally, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 is invoked for improper use of network facilities, with penalties including a fine of up to RM500,000, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The suspect was detained around 10:25 PM on September 5 to assist with investigations. Police plan to apply for a remand order under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code during a court hearing on September 6.
In a strongly worded statement, PDRM emphasized that firm action without compromise would be taken against anyone deliberately making or disseminating seditious statements that could incite public fear and disrupt societal harmony in Malaysia.
CP Datuk M. Kumar A/L S. Muthuvelu, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, signed off on the media release, which was issued at 9:15 AM on September 6. Authorities urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified content that could exacerbate tensions.