He said the offences could be included under the Penal Code or a new law, if necessary.

“This is to ensure there are no voids in the law if the Sedition Act 1948 is abolished.

“The police will continue to act against any parties that insult, mock or play with religious issues. The government will not compromise with anyone who raises sensitive issues, specially by spreading information that can affect the racial and religious harmony of this country,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Azis also said the government is studying improvements to current legislation to ensure more effective and holistic action.

He said his ministry would be running awareness programmes to ensure that the people are more sensitive to sentiments related to the 3Rs.

“The police have also formed monitoring and investigation units for the misuse of social media at the district and contingent levels to ensure that swift action can be taken before sensitive issues raised by perpetrators spread, lead to racial and religious enmity,” he said.

In 2019, he said, the police had received 34 cases relating to the 3Rs. So far, three individuals have been sentenced, six are on trial, nine are awaiting action by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, four are under investigation and 12 have been classified as no further action.