KUALA LUMPUR — Police have detained a man and a woman following the circulation of a video showing an individual in a headscarf consuming alcohol.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk M. Kumar confirmed that the pair, aged 22 and 24, were taken into custody in Subang Jaya at about 4.30pm on Wednesday to assist with inquiries, local media reported.
“Initial investigations found that the individual seen wearing a headscarf and consuming alcohol in the video was a man,” he said in a statement.
The case is being handled by the Special Investigation Unit under the CID’s Prosecution and Legal Division (D5).
Kumar said investigations are proceeding under Section 298A of the Penal Code, which covers acts that may incite religious disharmony, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, relating to misuse of network services.
He explained that Section 298A carries a prison sentence of between two and five years if convicted, while Section 233 provides for a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
Kumar stressed that authorities would act firmly against anyone who disregards religious sensitivities. “We urge the public to be responsible and prudent social media users, and to refrain from making statements or sharing content that could undermine harmony and unity, particularly issues involving religion, race and royalty (3R),” he said.
Meanwhile, a hair salon in Sunway Geo Avenue, Bandar Sunway, has become embroiled in controversy after footage of a Secret Santa exchange went viral. The video, shared from the
Instagram account of the salon’s director, showed an individual wearing a hijab while holding a can, prompting laughter from others present. Chinese subtitles in the clip read: “我的坏礼物我笑死了谢谢” (My bad gift, I’m laughing so hard, thank you).
The incident sparked outrage online, with many condemning what they saw as a mockery of Islamic attire. The salon has since closed temporarily and appears to have deactivated its social media accounts.
Some users alleged that negative reviews of the business were being removed, fuelling further criticism. – December 24, 2025