In its Malaysia Human Rights Report 2024, the rights group said 175 people were detained under Sosma last year, a significant jump from 66 in 2023.

Speaking at the report’s launch at the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall today, Suaram coordinator Jernell Tan said the use of Sosma in the arrests was possibly reactive and disproportionate.

“Organised crime-related detentions increased from 11 in 2023 to 126 in 2024. Terrorism-related cases spiked with 27 individuals arrested, up from zero in the previous year,” she said.

Tan said the report also highlighted a 60% rise in arrests during public assemblies, with minors and stateless youths among those detained.

“Out of 79 assemblies documented in 2024, nearly 40% were investigated by the authorities,” she said.

Suaram coordinator Azura Nasron also said despite various stakeholder engagements, there were no substantial updates on reviews of laws like Sosma until the prime minister’s directive in February 2025 to review it.

Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil was reported in February as saying Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had directed home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to review and “improve” Sosma.

“In principle, there are a few issues that have been agreed upon for improvement or review,” he had said.