THE Royal Malaysia Police has appealed for calm over a growing dispute involving the Adat Perpatih customary system in Negeri Sembilan, warning that irresponsible statements could inflame tensions and disrupt public order.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said authorities have received numerous reports linked to sensitive issues involving religion, race and the royal institution, commonly referred to as 3R matters.
“I can confirm that many reports have been received from the relevant parties, including those expressing dissatisfaction and related matters.
“We will conduct investigations before deciding on the next course of action,” New Straits Times reported him saying on Thursday.
He urged all parties to avoid aggravating the situation, stressing that the matter concerns longstanding customs and cultural practices within the state.
“I urge all parties to remain calm and refrain from making any unnecessary comments or statements.
“Police will continue to ensure that security and public order in Negeri Sembilan remain under control,” he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman.
He added that the spread of false or inaccurate information could undermine efforts to restore stability.
The issue gained political traction after 14 assemblymen from United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and Barisan Nasional withdrew support for the state government led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, citing concerns over the interaction between the Adat Perpatih system and the state’s constitutional framework.
Police Brings Down Online Child Sexual Exploitation Ring
Separately, Mohd Khalid disclosed that police had arrested 69 individuals in a nationwide operation targeting online child sexual exploitation, underscoring a parallel security focus on cybercrime.
The operation, conducted under Operation Cyber Guardian 2026, involved cooperation between seven countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan.
“Those detained, aged between 15 and 66, were from various backgrounds and occupations, following coordinated nationwide raids from April 6 to 8 targeting 101 individuals identified through intelligence.
“Of the total, 67 were original targets while two others were accomplices found at the locations during inspections,” he said.
The arrests followed coordinated raids across the country, reflecting what police described as a concerted effort to combat cross-border digital crimes and protect vulnerable victims.
Authorities said investigations into both the Negeri Sembilan dispute and the cyber exploitation cases are ongoing, with further action to be determined upon completion of inquiries. - April 30, 2026
