POLICE have detained three actors from a 2018 theatre performance over a video allegedly mocking the Rukun Negara that recently resurfaced on social media.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said the three, comprising a man and two women aged 47, 28 and 29, were detained several days ago in Selangor and Johor to assist investigations.
All three have since been released on police bail after their statements were recorded and their electronic devices and gadgets examined.
“Of the five actors identified, three have been arrested for further investigation and released on police bail while investigations are being completed,” he said.
Kumar said another actor involved in the performance had died, while immigration records indicated that another was believed to be in the United Kingdom.
The performance director was also a United Kingdom national and was believed to no longer be in Malaysia, he said.
Police investigations found that the performance, which lasted about 10 minutes, was staged privately at the Penang Performing Arts Centre in Penang in 2018.
Kumar said the recording did not go viral at the time and police had not received any reports concerning the performance.
The video resurfaced on social media recently, prompting the Bukit Aman Classified Criminal Investigation Unit to open an investigation.
The first police report concerning the recording was lodged at the Jalan Tun Razak police station on Sept 18.
Kumar said examinations of the mobile phones and gadgets belonging to the three detained actors also found no material related to the performance.
Police are now trying to identify the person who recirculated the recording.
“We are now tracing the individual who circulated the video. Among other things, we want to look at the IP address, and the matter is still under investigation,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The investigation papers will be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further directions and advice. - September 22, 2026
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