Why did police arrest men for mocking the Jawi Day announcement?

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Police Arrested Men for Mocking Jawi Day Announcement Due to Allegations of Offence Under Penal Code and Communications Act

Two men, aged 25 and 35, were arrested in separate raids in Perak and Penang for allegedly mocking the government's announcement of declaring Fridays as Jawi Day on social media. These arrests followed a police report lodged in Kluang, Johor, concerning netizens making jokes about the Jawi Day declaration. The investigations are being conducted under Section 505 (c) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Allegations Under Section 505 (c) of the Penal Code

The investigation into the arrested men falls under Section 505 (c) of the Penal Code. This section pertains to making, publishing, or circulating any statement, rumour, or report with the intent to cause, or which may reasonably cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public, whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquillity. The alleged mocking of the Jawi Day announcement on social media is being scrutinised to determine if it incites fear or alarm or induces any offence.
Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 Allegations

Furthermore, the arrests are also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This act addresses the improper use of network facilities or network services. Specifically, Section 233 prohibits the transmission of any comment, request, suggestion or other communication which is obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in character with the intention to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person. The social media content shared by the arrested individuals is being examined to ascertain if it violates these provisions.
Context of Jawi Day Announcement

The Jawi Day announcement was made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri. The stated intention behind this declaration was to preserve and reinforce traditions and culture that have shaped Malaysia. The government's objective was to uphold cultural heritage through this initiative.
Ongoing Investigation and Further Actions

An investigation paper was opened after the initial police report in Johor. Authorities have detained the two individuals at the Johor Contingent police headquarters to facilitate the ongoing investigation. Police are also reportedly seeking another individual to assist with their inquiries into the case, indicating a broader scope to the investigation beyond the two currently arrested.

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Why did police arrest men for mocking the Jawi Day announcement?

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