University student in Malaysia arrested after viral CCTV clip linked to alleged stalking case
A public university student in Malaysia has been arrested in Shah Alam after a viral CCTV clip showed a man appearing to sniff a shoe outside an apartment unit. Police said the complainant alleged she had been repeatedly followed and harassed by the same individual since April.
MALAYSIA: A public university student has been arrested after a viral CCTV clip showing a man appearing to sniff a shoe outside an apartment unit in Section 7, Shah Alam prompted a police report and an investigation into alleged stalking.
According to Shah Alam police, a 22-year-old woman lodged a report on 12 July 2026, alleging that she had been repeatedly followed and harassed by the same individual since April.
Police said the suspect, a male university student in his 20s, was arrested later that day in Section 7, Shah Alam.
Viral footage sparks concern
The incident gained attention after CCTV footage was widely shared on social media.
One of the viral posts warned students renting accommodation in the Section 7 area to remain vigilant and described the incident as unsettling.
The footage, timestamped 8 July 2026 at 1.17pm, showed a man walking along an apartment corridor while looking around the area.
He then stopped outside a residential unit, picked up a shoe placed near the entrance, appeared to sniff it, and returned it to its original position before leaving.
Allegations of repeated stalking
In a statement, Shah Alam district police chief ACP Sarudin Samah said the complainant alleged that the same man had repeatedly followed and disturbed her both around her place of study and near her residence.
According to police, the alleged incidents occurred over several months from April 2026 until the report was lodged.
Police did not disclose further details regarding the nature of the alleged encounters.
Suspect arrested
Police said officers from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Shah Alam district police headquarters arrested the suspect at about 8.30pm on 12 July.
A background check found that the suspect had no prior criminal record.
An initial urine screening test also returned negative for drug use, according to police.
ACP Sarudin said police would apply for a remand order against the suspect before the Shah Alam Magistrate's Court on 13 July.
Investigation underway
The case is being investigated under Section 507A of the Penal Code, which covers repeated stalking offences.
The provision carries a penalty of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Police have not released further details on the investigation and have not indicated whether any charges have been filed.
