Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said he had instructed MCMC to look into the matter, with the regulator to take action once it completes its investigation.

“MCMC has yet to inform me of the actions it will be taking,” he told reporters after a Ramadan programme here.

“(Social media) platforms remove content if they agree that it violates the law or the platform’s community guidelines. In this case, Facebook viewed the content as violating the law (when it removed the post the first time).”

Zamri’s Facebook post stated that Hindu worshippers performing the kavadi ritual said “Vel Vel” while appearing to be possessed or drunk.

His remarks followed the controversy surrounding three Era FM radio hosts, who were widely criticised for their mockery of the same religious practice.

Last Sunday, MCMC said it had asked Facebook’s owner, Meta, to remove Zamri’s Facebook post as it was found to contain elements of an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities.

However, MCMC said Meta’s decision to remove the content was made by the platform subject to its assessment of the justifications provided and its community guidelines.

DAP’s RSN Rayer accused Zamri of being unrepentant as well as continuing to incite, instigate and stoke racial and religious tension in Malaysia.

Rayer, the Jelutong MP, had called for Zamri’s arrest when his social media post reappeared hours after it was removed by Facebook.

He added that Zamri should be charged in court for apparently defying the law by reposting a “seditious and irresponsible post”.

Meanwhile, MIC deputy president M Saravanan said Zamri’s post insulted Hindus and urged the authorities to arrest the preacher under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

He also said that he had raised the matter with the prime minister and home minister.

Rayer and Urimai chairman P Ramasamy had also called for police action against Zamri.