Police investigate TikTok videos over sedition and royal emblem misuse

LocalPolitics
16 Sep 2025 • 5:05 PM MYT
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Police investigate TikTok videos over sedition and royal emblem misuse

THE Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has launched investigations into three widely circulated TikTok videos suspected of promoting sedition, inciting hostility, and misusing royal symbols.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Commissioner Datuk M Kumar said the investigations are being conducted by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (USJT), under the D5 Division.

The cases involve two separate TikTok accounts and a third video depicting a private ceremony that mimicked royal customs and attire.

“The first case involves a former civil servant who used a TikTok account to post seditious and insulting remarks directed at the government and national leaders,” said Kumar in a statement on Tuesday.

He added that the second case centres on a man who questioned the government’s handling of an incident in Kampung Sungai Baru, in a manner deemed potentially inflammatory and capable of sparking public division.

“The third case concerns a video of a family’s aqiqah ceremony in which attendees wore all-yellow outfits and royal-style tengkolok headgear, which is alleged to constitute the misuse of royal symbols in a private event,” Kumar explained.

“These cases clearly illustrate the irresponsible use of social media and digital platforms to spread content that can provoke sedition, insult institutions, and cause public discord,” he said.

PDRM has vowed to act decisively, with investigations proceeding under several laws, including Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Sections 505(b) and 505(c) of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 3(1) of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963.

Kumar urged the public to exercise greater caution and responsibility when expressing opinions or sharing content online. - September 16, 2025