The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has obtained statements from two main administrators of a Facebook group focused on identifying Hindu temples that are claimed to have been built illegally across the country.
In a statement, MCMC stated that the group is being used to share information that is believed to fuel racial and religious tensions, potentially leading to public unrest.
MCMC stated that the individuals’ statements were recorded at its headquarters in Cyberjaya at 9 AM on March 27 following public complaints. A mobile phone and SIM card were seized as evidence.
Additionally, the internet regulator reported that it had submitted 110 requests to Meta to take down racially provocative content from the Facebook group.
“Out of the 110 requests, Facebook determined that 106 pieces of content violated its community standards and subsequently removed them,” the statement read.
The case is being investigated under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. If found guilty, the individuals involved could face a fine of up to RM500,000, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both. MCMC urged the public to refrain from misusing online platforms and applications to post content that could incite hatred against any race or religion.
“Such actions not only break the law but also jeopardize the harmony of the country’s multicultural society,” it stated.
The issue of land rights for historic Hindu temples has become a contentious topic, following public backlash over plans to relocate the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple to make way for the construction of the new Masjid Madani.
The government later disclosed that the temple had agreed to relocate to a site just 50 meters away from its current location, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim describing the resolution as a “win-win solution.”
Source: Free Malaysia Today
