Malaysian police probe TikTok user offering over US$1 million for PM Anwar’s assassination

MALAYSIA: Malaysian authorities are currently investigating death threats directed at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which emerged on social media since Sunday (26 Nov) morning.

Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, the Police Chief, confirmed that a report regarding the threats had been received, as stated by Malaysian media.

The investigation is being carried out under both Section 507 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Earlier, a screenshot from a TikTok video gained widespread attention on social media, wherein a user offered RM5 million (approximately US$1.07 million) to anyone who would fatally harm Anwar, government ministers, or members of a political party.

The video has since been removed.

In parallel, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, Deputy Chief of the Youth Wing of Justice (AMK), reported that the AMK Putrajaya branch representative had lodged a formal report concerning the threatening video at the Putrajaya District Police Headquarters at 1:43 PM on Sunday.

Kamil highlighted, “The video, uploaded by TikTok user Jaiadani89, contained explicit threats against the prime minister, accompanied by an offer of RM5 million for anyone willing to carry out the act.”

Addressing attendees at the PKR Annual National Congress at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Muhammad Kamil urged the police to conduct swift and thorough investigations.

He called for stern action to be taken against the individual responsible, emphasizing the potential threat posed to safety and harmony.

He also expressed concern that if this matter is left unaddressed, more irresponsible individuals might easily incite the public to make death threats and promote extremist culture.