Kuala Lumpur: Police arrested a freelance preacher today following a Facebook post allegedly containing seditious elements that could threaten public order.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain stated that the 41-year-old preacher was detained in Taman Melati Indah, Beseri, Kangar, Perlis, and taken to the Padang Besar District Police Headquarters (IPD). A remand order is expected to be sought at the Kangar Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

The arrest follows a police report lodged yesterday at the Dang Wangi police station in response to the preacher’s post concerning the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple at Jalan Masjid India to a new site. The complainant observed comments on social media about the temple’s relocation negotiations and requested a police investigation into the preacher’s remarks, which allegedly contained seditious elements and defamed the Hindu religion.

During the interrogation, the suspect answered a total of 24 questions. Police have seized a mobile phone to assist in the investigation, which is being conducted under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

On Tuesday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr. Zaliha Mustafa announced that the new temple site, covering an area of 4,000 square feet, is located approximately 50 meters from its original location. Last Thursday, media reports indicated that discussions regarding the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, situated on land owned by Jakel Group, proceeded harmoniously between the company, temple management, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.