Police arrest TikToker for claiming Malaysian King and PM Anwar dined at non-halal eatery

MALAYSIA: The police have arrested a TikToker, believed to have made offensive comments towards Malaysia’s royal institution and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The incident has sparked public debate over the limits of freedom of speech on social media platforms and the potential legal ramifications of such remarks.

According to a report from Utusan Malaysia, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, confirmed that a report was lodged on 18 December by a man from Cyberjaya, alleging that an individual known as Rayyan Wong had posted insulting statements on TikTok.

These remarks were reportedly aimed at Malaysia’s royal family, specifically the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail, as well as PM Anwar.

The police are investigating the incident under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which address actions that could incite hatred, cause offence, or disrupt public order.

Tan Sri Razarudin explained that the offensive content appeared to have been intended to provoke and belittle the royal institution and national leaders, potentially destabilising public harmony.

“Following the report, the suspect, a 22-year-old man, was arrested at his residence in Johor on Wednesday. We also seized his mobile phone for further examination,” Razarudin stated during an interview with local media.

Rayyan Wong released on bail after magistrate court denies remand request

In an update, Razarudin confirmed that Rayyan Wong had been released on bail after a magistrate court rejected the request for his remand.

This decision followed an apology issued by Wong through his TikTok account, where he expressed regret for his statements.

The apology from Wong came after he questioned the actions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and PM Anwar.

Wong had posted a statement accusing these figures of dining at a restaurant in Johor Bahru that allegedly lacked a halal certificate on 9 December.

Wong apologises for false claim, removes controversial video after receiving public backlash

His claims prompted a backlash from netizens and government officials alike.

“I apologise for the statement regarding dining at a restaurant without a halal certificate; it turns out the restaurant is halal certified. I regret making the statement without properly verifying the facts beforehand,” Wong wrote in his apology video.

He acknowledged his mistake, promising to conduct more thorough research in the future, and confirmed that he had removed the controversial video, which had garnered 2 million views before being taken down.