1 week Ago By Zahratulhayat Mat Arif
TAPAH: Police have arrested social media influencer Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah, also known as 'Ratu Naga,' following a claim that students at a Chinese school in the state sang the national anthem in Chinese.Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the arrest today (April 10).Fahmi said the viral video, which recently sparked public confusion, was investigated by both the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"This matter has been addressed, and investigations have been conducted by both the police and the MCMC."I have been informed that the influencer has been detained for further questioning," he told reporters during a working visit to the Batang Padang Information Department here today.On Apr 6, a special officer to Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, along with three others, lodged a police report against pro-Perikatan Nasional (PN) activist Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah, better known as 'Ratu Naga.
'According to MalaysiaKini, the officer, Khoo Kim Han, lodged a report in response to a video posted on her social media, which alleged that students at a Chinese school in Perak sang the national anthem in Mandarin during a school event.Khoo, in a statement after filing the report at the Kajang district police headquarters, said Syarul Ema had spread slander and incited racial sentiments through the post.https://www.
nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/1197873/report-lodged-against-ratu-naga-slander-inciting-racial-sentimentsFahmi also issued a stern reminder about the recent amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act, which came into effect on Feb 11.
"The new law imposes heavier penalties for the dissemination of extreme content, defamation, fake news, and cyberbullying."If convicted in court, offenders can face a fine of up to RM500,000/ If compounded before court proceedings, the penalty can be up to RM250,000."This is a significant increase, and we hope it serves as a deterrent.
Everyone must be cautious — do not share news if you are unsure of its accuracy," he said.Fahmi further urged the public to verify information before sharing it, especially on social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp."Always cross-check information with mainstream media.
If the media has not reported something, it does not necessarily mean the claim is true."I urge everyone to remain vigilant. Do not be too quick to believe or share information received via WhatsApp.
"If you are unsure, do not share. Do not become a conduit for slander or misinformation. Please be cautious," he added.
Efforts to obtain details of the arrest from Perak police are still ongoing.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
