Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has initiated an internal investigation following the arrest of a student over content allegedly insulting Islam that went viral on social media late Tuesday night.
In an official statement, UMPSA emphasised the seriousness of the matter, noting that it involves sensitive issues related to race, religion, and royalty (3R). “The university takes note of content circulating online involving an individual believed to be linked to UMPSA, touching on the sensitivities of religion, race, and the royal institution,” the statement read.
UMPSA confirmed that it will not tolerate the spread of false or provocative content that could disrupt public harmony, and a thorough internal probe is ongoing. Disciplinary action will be pursued if the student is found to have breached the Universiti dan Kolej Universiti (Tatatertib Pelajar) 2024 regulations. The university also urged its community and the public to avoid sharing content related to 3R sensitivities and to act responsibly on social media.
Pahang police confirmed the student’s arrest, which took place in Kuantan early Wednesday morning following a report lodged after the viral content emerged. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said authorities are investigating the student for allegedly insulting Islam and will apply for a remand order.
The viral content reportedly included images of a man’s foot on a copy of the Quran and screenshots of social media comments deemed offensive to Prophet Muhammad. Following the backlash, the account believed to be linked to the student posted a public apology, describing the act as “deeply wrong, disrespectful, and hurtful.”
The case is being investigated under Section 295 of the Penal Code, which covers acts defiling a place of worship or sacred object, carrying up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries penalties of up to one year in jail, a RM50,000 fine, or both.
