Man linked to Quran-stepping video arrested over separate case of insulting Muslims

Singapore authorities have arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with a separate case of insulting Muslims, following his deportation from Malaysia. The man is accused of posting offensive and profane remarks about the Muslim community on social media platforms.

Police stated that they received a report about the individual on March 1, but he had already left the country. "With the assistance of the Royal Malaysia Police, the man was deported from Malaysia on Aug 6, 2026, and was arrested by the police upon his arrival in Singapore on the same day," the Singapore Police Force announced in a media release.

“

With the assistance of the Royal Malaysia Police, the man was deported from Malaysia on Aug 6, 2026, and was arrested by the police upon his arrival in Singapore on the same day.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, August 7, to face charges of insulting another person's religion, an offense punishable by up to five years in jail, a fine, or both. Authorities are also investigating his potential connection to a viral video depicting someone stepping on the Quran on a public bus. In March, the police had taken measures to disable access to that content in Singapore.

“

When he was convicted in July last year, there was some evidence that he was mentally unwell.

Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam indicated that the man linked to the Quran-stepping video is likely the same individual previously convicted for similar offenses. He was jailed last year and released in December. "When he was convicted in July last year, there was some evidence that he was mentally unwell," Shanmugam had said.

The police reiterated their firm stance against actions that jeopardize racial and religious harmony, vowing to "deal with swiftly and firmly" anyone who incites enmity or hostility between different groups in Singapore.

“

Any person who makes remarks or acts in a manner which can cause enmity, hatred, ill-will or hostility between the different racial or religious groups in Singapore will be dealt with swiftly and firmly in accordance with the law.