POLICE have received 280 reports nationwide over a social media caricature allegedly insulting the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, as authorities expand investigations into the incident.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the reports were recorded as of 5pm on Sunday, following the circulation of the content since April 25.
“All the reports were lodged by various parties condemning the act of extreme provocation.
“Investigations are being conducted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 as well as Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955,” he said in a statement on Monday.
The investigation is being carried out by the Royal Malaysia Police in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, with efforts focused on identifying and apprehending those responsible.
“The main focus is to track down and detain individuals responsible for tarnishing the sovereignty of the royal institution.
“The public is advised to leave the investigation process entirely to the authorities,” he said.
Shazeli also cautioned against speculation or commentary that could interfere with the case, adding that updates would be provided as developments unfold.
The surge in reports comes amid heightened enforcement action over sensitive online content involving religion, royalty and race, following the recent arrest of a suspect linked to the case in Bukit Mertajam.
The suspect, believed to be in his 30s, was detained at 7.10pm on Sunday by a team from the Royal Malaysia Police headquarters, with assistance from the Penang Police Contingent Headquarters and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M. Kumar said two Samsung mobile phones and SIM cards, believed to have been used to upload the content, were seized during the operation.
“The arrest followed investigations into the Facebook account ‘Lucas Liam’, which is believed to have uploaded the offensive content on May 2,” he said in a statement.
The case is being investigated by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit under multiple legal provisions, including Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Authorities said 12 police reports have been lodged nationwide in connection with the incident, with an application to remand the suspect expected to be filed on May 4.
“So far, 12 police reports have been lodged nationwide over the matter, and an application for the suspect's remand will be made tomorrow (May 4),” M Kumar said.
He also cautioned the public against misusing social media, particularly on matters involving religion, royalty and race, commonly referred to as 3R issues, warning that such actions could undermine social harmony.
“Legal action will be taken without compromise to safeguard national security,” he added.
The case underscores the authorities’ continued emphasis on curbing online content deemed harmful to public order and institutional respect. The incident also highlights growing scrutiny over digital expression in Malaysia, particularly where it intersects with the country’s constitutional monarchy and public order laws. - May 4, 2026
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