THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has opened an investigation into a Facebook post suspected of insulting Islam following public concern over content allegedly mocking a Quranic verse cited during the presentation of Budget 2027.
In a statement issued on Saturday, MCMC said the post concerned the use of the word “lighad”, referring to verse 18 of Surah al-Hashr, during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Budget 2027 speech on Oct 9.
The content was alleged to have ridiculed a verse from the Quran, causing concern among members of the public.
MCMC said it had recorded a statement from the individual to assist its investigation and seized one mobile phone with an eSIM for forensic examination.
The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
MCMC stressed that freedom of expression on social media must be exercised responsibly, with respect for religious sensitivities and the need to preserve harmony in Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious society.
Earlier news reports cited that a social media post by a political commentator questioning the meaning of the Arabic word “lighad” (referenced as “and let every soul consider what it has sent ahead for tomorrow” and contrasting it with “liwat”(sodomy) has drawn the attention of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which is investigating content suspected of insulting Islam.
A screenshot of the post allegedly showed the account holder sharing verse 18 of Surah al-Hashr alongside the comment: “What I noticed was ‘Lighad’, which I have absolutely no idea what it means. But there was no ‘Liwat’.”
The post followed the Prime Minister's presentation of Budget 2027 on Friday, during which he drew attention to several less commonly heard Arabic terms, including “waad” and “lighad”.
In Arabic, “waad” means promise. - October 11, 2026
