Activist remanded for two days over TikTok post about Maha Kali Red Gathering

A 55-year-old activist has been remanded for two days over a TikTok post linked to the proposed Maha Kali Red Gathering, following the demolition of a Hindu temple in Bukit Lagi, Kangar.

Police detained the activist in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, at 10 a.m. the previous day. Kangar district police chief Assistant Commissioner Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said police had received 15 reports concerning a TikTok post about the gathering, scheduled for Aug. 30 at the site of the Sri Veera Maha Kaliamman Kovil temple.

“Following a review of the post, we found that the gathering was intended to defend the rights and place of worship of Hindus, as well as to invite the public to gather in prayer, peace and solidarity,” Yusharifuddin said.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s profiling confirmed that the TikTok account belonged to the activist, who works as a consultant. Police are investigating the case under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. They also seized a mobile phone and SIM card.

The activist will remain in remand from the day of detention through the following day. The temple was demolished by the state government on Aug. 20 after enforcement proceedings and court action to vacate the site. Utusan Malaysia previously quoted Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah as saying the demolition followed the temple management’s failure to comply with legal requirements. He said the state government did not oppose houses of worship that meet the rules and are built in suitable locations.

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Following a review of the post, we found that the gathering was intended to defend the rights and place of worship of Hindus, as well as to invite the public to gather in prayer, peace and solidarity.