Singaporean deported from Malaysia, held over alleged insult to Muslims

A Singaporean under investigation over allegedly insulting Muslims was deported from Malaysia today with the assistance of Malaysian police and detained upon arrival in Singapore, the Straits Times reported.

Singapore police said they received a report on the matter on March 1, but found that the man had left the country before the report was lodged.

If convicted, he faces up to five years' jail, a fine, or both.

Police said the man was also assisting in a separate investigation involving a video showing a person stepping on the Quran. According to the Straits Times, he is believed to be the same person seen in the video, which is believed to have been recorded on a public bus in Singapore.

On March 7, police issued five directions to Meta, which operates major social media platforms, to disable access to the material for users in Singapore.

Police said they take a serious view of any act that threatens racial and religious harmony.

"Anyone who makes statements or acts in a manner capable of provoking hostility, hatred, anger or ill will between races or religions in Singapore will face firm action under the law," police said in a statement. (Quote translated from the Malay-language report.)

The report did not give further details on the man's identity, how long he had been in Malaysia, or the specific charges that may be brought against him. Investigations by Singapore police into both matters are continuing.