A 57-year-old man was arrested after he was believed to have issued an offensive and inciting statement against the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in Johor Baru.

Johor police chief Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd said the man was detained by police following a report of social media abuse yesterday over remarks deemed offensive and inciting that could threaten the country's harmony and prosperity.

He said the man was arrested with the cooperation of the Klang Selatan District Police Headquarters Crime Investigation Department at 10.45pm.

"The suspect made the remarks through Facebook and following his arrest, the police have also seized a sim card and a mobile phone believed to be used by the man," he said in a statement in Johor Baru today.

The case is investigated under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia 1998, which upon conviction carries a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or a jail term of up to one year or both and further fine of RM1,000 for every day the offence is continued after conviction.

Meanwhile Wan Ahmad Najmuddin advised the people not to misuse any service application to issue false statements or statements to annoy, persecute, intimidate and harass others.

As a country of multi-religious and racial backgrounds, he said mutual respect, civility and decency were very important in ensuring national harmony.

“I also like to remind that Johor police will not compromise and will take stern action against those involved," he said.

- Bernama