Man remanded over Facebook caricature allegedly insulting police

ALOR SETAR, Oct 28 —  Police have arrested a 50-year-old local man in connection with an investigation into a caricature allegedly insulting the police that went viral on social media.

In a statement today, Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said the 50-year-old self-employed man was detained outside Menara Seri Wilayah P2a in Putrajaya yesterday.

He said police received a report on Oct 25 concerning a post uploaded by the owner of a Facebook account.

“The post depicted a caricature of two uniformed police officers wearing make-up and carrying women’s handbags at an airport, alongside the caption, ‘tak tau nak nangis ker or nak gelak’ (Not sure whether to cry or laugh),” the statement said.

Adzli said police had seized a mobile phone believed to have been used to make the post.

He said police were investigating the case under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, following 38 reports lodged in various states.

Adzli said the Langkawi Magistrate’s Court had granted a two-day remand order for the suspect, beginning today, to facilitate further investigations.

He advised the public to avoid making comments or speculating on the matter, as well as spreading unverified information that could disturb public order.

Adzli also warned that strict action would be taken against those who crossed the line, violated the law or attempted to provoke unrest that could compromise national security. — Bernama