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THE Home Ministry has confirmed that a total of 90 individuals were arrested under the Sedition Act in 2024 and 2025, reflecting heightened enforcement against content deemed sensitive in Malaysia.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah revealed that 58 arrests were made last year, while 32 arrests occurred in 2024.
A total of 193 investigation papers were opened, though only 14 resulted in formal charges during the same period, with three charges filed in the most recent year and 11 in 2024.
“The increase in arrests manifests the Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) firmness in addressing the dissemination of sensitive content involving religion, the monarchy, and race,” he said during a session in the Dewan Rakyat today, in response to a question from Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut).
He added that rapid enforcement measures aim to curb narratives that could spark racial tensions or defame the royal institution before they escalate.
Shamsul Anuar emphasised that the decline in prosecutions demonstrates the government’s caution in pursuing legal action.
“Each case is assessed meticulously by the Attorney General’s Chambers to ensure that only matters supported by strong evidence are brought to court, while others are resolved through warnings or continuous monitoring,” he said.
The Deputy Minister stressed that the rise in arrests serves as a clear signal to the public that freedom of speech is not a licence to slander or incite, noting, “The government consistently seeks to balance individual rights with the imperative of safeguarding national security.” - February 26, 2026