A couple currently under remand for allegedly performing indecent acts at a Chinese cemetery in Penang will be officially charged at the George Town Magistrate’s Court tomorrow. Northeast District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rozak Muhammad, confirmed that the two suspects, aged 37 and 58, will face charges under Section 377D of the Penal Code. This specific section pertains to acts of “outrages on decency” between individuals, whether committed in a public or private setting, and carries a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison upon conviction.
The legal action follows a three-day remand order obtained by the police yesterday to facilitate a thorough investigation into the widely circulated incident. Both individuals have reportedly admitted to the acts after being confronted with video evidence that depicted them behaving inappropriately at the burial site. The case gained public attention after a 69-year-old local man lodged a formal police report regarding a viral video showing a man and a woman engaged in lewd behaviour within the cemetery grounds.
Initial police investigations revealed that the incident took place on 22 March 2026 at the Batu Gantung Chinese Cemetery located in Air Itam. The setting of the incident at a place of rest has sparked significant concern among the local community regarding the disrespect shown to the deceased and their families. Authorities acted swiftly following the report, tracking down the suspects at two separate locations within the state to assist with the ongoing probe.
The 37-year-old woman was apprehended by police at approximately 8:35 pm on Monday at a block of flats near Jalan Padang Tembak. Later that same night, at around 11:10 pm, the 58-year-old male suspect was arrested in front of a building near Jalan Paya Terubong in Sungai Ara, Bayan Lepas. The coordinated arrests ensured both parties were brought into custody shortly after the video began circulating on social media platforms.
With the investigation now nearing its conclusion, the duo is expected to enter their pleas during the court mention tomorrow morning. Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rozak reiterated that the police take such matters seriously, especially when they involve public indecency and the desecration of sensitive cultural sites. The public has been advised to refrain from sharing the explicit video further to respect the ongoing legal process and the sanctity of the memorial grounds.
