Police urge the public to avoid using social media for unlawful debates, citing a rise in sedition cases and the risk to national harmony.
KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been advised not to use social media as a platform for debates that violate the law, particularly those involving seditious or provocative content.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M Kumar said that social media has often been used as a space to spread posts and comments with seditious elements, as well as to debate government policies and current issues in ways that create discomfort among users.
He pointed out that the trend not only disrupts harmony in cyberspace but also creates an unhealthy digital ecosystem and risks triggering societal tensions if not curbed through enforcement.
“These irresponsible actions clearly contravene legal provisions, particularly under the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15), which prohibits any act, speech or publication that has a seditious tendency or incites hatred against the monarchy and the government.
“According to Section 3(1)(a) of Act 15, a ‘seditious tendency’ refers to any tendency to bring into hatred or contempt, or to excite disaffection against any ruler or government,” he said in a statement today.
M Kumar said that according to CID statistics, from January to March this year, a total of 30 cases were investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, involving acts or words deemed seditious against the monarchy, race, administration of justice, and the government.
He also reminded the public to use social media responsibly and prudently.
“Freedom of speech is not a licence to spread statements that are insulting, defamatory or provocative, which could undermine harmony, peace and public order.
“Firm action will be taken against any individual found to have misused network facilities or application services for unlawful purposes,” he said.
He stressed that cooperation from all parties is essential to ensure the digital space remains safe, while fostering a culture of mature, fact-based and respectful communication for social well-being and national stability.
