MCMC said the 47-year-old suspect was being probed for allegedly uploading false content on the 3R issues of race, religion, and royalty on March 9.

His statement was recorded at the Taiping police station yesterday. MCMC said further investigations were ongoing.

“A mobile phone and a SIM card were seized for forensic analysis,” it said in a statement.

The case is being investigated under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of a maximum two years, or both, upon conviction.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had reminded the public on Monday to remain vigilant against misinformation in the run-up to the Ayer Kuning by-election.

His senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, said a social media user on Facebook claimed that the mosque had not been allowed the use of loudspeakers for the azan since Anwar’s government took office.

Tunku Nashrul said such narratives tended to resurface every election season.

Ayer Kuning will head to the polls on April 26 in the by-election triggered by the death of Umno assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin.