A 21-year-old higher education student is scheduled to be charged at the Sessions Court here today over allegations that he stepped on a copy of the Quran and shared images of the act on social media.
The accused is expected to be brought to the Kuantan Court Complex at about 8am, where he will face two charges linked to the incident, which has attracted widespread public attention.
The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) confirmed yesterday that the student will be charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code for defiling a sacred object. The offence relates to allegedly stepping on the Quran with knowledge that the act would amount to an insult to Islam. Upon conviction, the section provides for a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both.
He will also face a charge under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for allegedly creating and initiating a communication deemed grossly offensive with the intent to hurt the feelings of others. The alleged posting was made through the Threads application. The offence carries a penalty of a fine not exceeding RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
On 25 February, a student from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) was detained to assist investigations after being suspected of insulting Islam on social media by stepping on the Quran.
Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said yesterday that 82 police reports had been lodged nationwide in connection with the case. He added that investigations uncovered sufficient evidence to recommend charges against the individual.
The case has drawn strong reactions from various quarters, reflecting the sensitivity of matters involving religious sanctity and the broader need to preserve harmony within Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious society.
