Perlis police arrest activist over incendiary TikTok on Sri Veera Maha Kaliamman Kovil temple

An illustrative photo shows handcuffs on August 22, 2024. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

First Published: Friday, 04 Sep 2026 2:46 PM MYT

KANGAR, Sept 4 — A 55-year-old activist has been remanded for two days from today on suspicion of making an inciting post via social media related to the organisation of a gathering concerning the demolition of a Hindu temple here on Aug 22.

Kangar district police chief ACP Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said the man, who works as a consultant, was arrested in Petaling Jaya, Selangor yesterday at 10 am.

He said that earlier, the Perlis police received 14 reports regarding posts on the activist’s TikTok application between Aug 22 and 27.

“The post contained a picture of the organisation of the ‘Perhimpunan Merah Maha Kali’ which was held on Aug 30, 2026, from 9 am to 11 am at the Sri Veera Maha Kaliamman Kovil site in Bukit Lagi, Kangar,” he said in a statement today.

Yusharifuddin said the investigation found that the organisation of the gathering was believed to be a response to dissatisfaction with the temple that was demolished by the authorities on Aug 20, in accordance with the law.

He said the activist is suspected of wanting to incite the Indian Hindu community to support actions contrary to existing laws and statutes, and the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“This gathering is also considered a very dangerous incitement that could trigger religious and racial riots in the state of Perlis,” he also said. — Bernama