Sepang deputy police chief Shan Gopal Krishnan said the couple was arrested at Kota Warisan yesterday, Sinar Harian reported.

The 60-year-old man was later released on police bail. His wife, 50, was remanded to be probed under the Immigration Act after it was found that she had overstayed in Malaysia.

“The motive for the (offensive signboard) is still being investigated. We have recorded statements from seven witnesses to assist in the investigation,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements contributing to public mischief, Section 4 of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.

Previously, the hawker apologised over the signboard in the presence of representatives from the Indian community, social media influencers, local residents, officials from the national unity and integration department, and police.

The signboard which contained the slur stated that his produce was not for sale to Indians.