Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the 57-year-old suspect was apprehended by a team from the classified crime investigation unit in Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru, at around 2.30pm today.

“He was detained to assist in the investigation into a Facebook post by ‘Prem Esaan’, which contained remarks deemed offensive to Islam, Muslims, and Prophet Muhammad,” Razarudin was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.

Razarudin said the suspect’s phone had also been seized.

The case is being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code for intentionally disturbing public order by insulting or demeaning any religion, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for offensive content.

Last Friday, Razarudin confirmed that police were investigating a Facebook user for allegedly posting content that insulted Islam.

He said that the probe was initiated following a police report lodged by an officer in Kuala Lumpur.

“An initial review of the post found elements that could incite anger among Muslims in Malaysia and cause public unrest,” he said.

Earlier, screenshots of the alleged Facebook post went viral on social media. The post reportedly contained racial and religious elements and provoked discussions on the 2018 riots at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple.