KUALA LUMPUR: Writer Uthaya Sankar SB has been arrested for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad.

       Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hasan said police opened investigations following a social media post by Uthaya on April 7.

       "The investigation is being conducted by the Bukit Aman CID special investigation unit under Section 298a of the Penal Code for uttering words with the deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person,” he said.

       Comm Abd Jalil added that the investigation is also being conducted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities.

       "The 50-year-old suspect was arrested in a house at Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam on Monday (April 11) at around 11.15 am to help with further investigations," he said in a statement.

       He added that they seized a mobile phone and a SIM card from the suspect which are believed to have been used when uploading the post.

       "A remand order will be obtained on the suspect on Tuesday (April 12). Investigations are ongoing and we urge the public to not speculate on the case," he said.

       Comm Abd Jalil advised the public to be cautious, especially with issues that touch on race and religious sensitivities.

       "The public should also be smart and prudent social media users and not use the platform to cause public anxiousness and threaten national harmony. Firm action without compromise will be taken against any individual who intentionally threatens public order and safety," he said.