KUALA LUMPUR April 17, 2026 – The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) today issued a strong warning to the public against misusing social media as a platform to spread provocative posts or comments that could spark controversy and threaten national harmony.
In a media statement released by the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, CP Datuk M. Kumar A/L S. Muthuvelu, the police described the current trend as an irresponsible action that can create an unhealthy virtual ecosystem and potentially spark tensions within society.
“Recently, social media has commonly been used as a medium for interaction to disseminate posts or comments laced with sedition and provocative debates on government policies and current issues, leading to controversy among users,” the statement said.
It added that such actions clearly violate the law, particularly under the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15), which prohibits any act, speech, or publication that tends to incite or cause hatred against the Royal Institution and the Government.
The statement also clarified the definition of “seditious tendency” under Section 3(1)(a) of Act 15, which refers to a tendency to bring about hatred or contempt, or to excite feelings of disloyalty towards any Ruler or Government.
According to statistics from the Criminal Investigation Department, from January to March 2026, a total of 30 cases were investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948. These cases involve acts or words that incite against the Royal Institution, race, the administration of justice, and the Government.
The punishment for this offence is a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both, for a first offence.
The police reminded the public that freedom of speech is not a licence to spread statements containing elements of insult, defamation, or provocation that could undermine harmony, security, and public order.
“Strict action will be taken against any individual found misusing any network facilities, network services, or application services for unlawful purposes,” the statement stressed.
PDRM also urged all parties to cooperate in ensuring the digital space remains safe while promoting a culture of mature, fact-based, and mutually respectful communication for the well-being of society and the stability of the nation.
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