Johor: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recorded a statement from a man who allegedly uploaded offensive comments about Prophet Muhammad pbuh and Islam on his Facebook.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the recording of the 63-year-old man’s statement was carried out in collaboration with the Iskandar Puteri Police Headquarters, Johor, last April 20, as stated by MCMC in a statement today. A mobile phone and a SIM card used by the man to upload the comments have been seized for forensic analysis purposes.

The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. If convicted, the individual can be fined up to RM500,000 or face imprisonment for a maximum of two years, or both. MCMC stated that once the investigation is complete, the paper will be submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Attorney General’s Chambers for further action.

MCMC emphasized that it will not compromise or tolerate any misuse of social media platforms, particularly concerning issues related to religion, race, and royalty, which could cause inter-religious tension and disrupt the harmony of the multi-racial society in Malaysia. The public is also reminded to use social media ethically and responsibly.