The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has confirmed that a video circulating on social media, appearing to show an individual stepping on the Quran, originates from an incident that occurred in Singapore in 2024. The renewed spread of the video across platforms like Threads, Facebook, and TikTok prompted the MCMC to take action, according to a statement released today.
The commission stated it is collaborating with social media providers to restrict access to the video within Malaysia. “The spread of content touching on religious sensitivities and potentially threatening the harmony of our multiracial society is irresponsible and action can be taken under existing laws,” the MCMC said.
This development comes after a student at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah was arrested last week for allegedly stepping on a copy of the Quran. The student remains in remand, with the police having referred the investigation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The case is being investigated under laws pertaining to the defilement of sacred objects with the intent to insult religion, and the university is as well conducting its own internal investigation into the student’s social media activity.
The MCMC’s intervention follows reports that the resurfacing of the older video sparked public concern. The commission has not specified the exact measures being implemented to block access to the content, but indicated it includes working with platform operators to limit its distribution.
According to reports, the MCMC is actively monitoring social media platforms to identify and address the recirculation of the video. The commission has not released details on the number of times the video has been shared or viewed, nor has it indicated a timeline for the completion of its efforts to remove the content from Malaysian online spaces.