GEORGE TOWN – A man and a woman have been remanded for three days to assist in investigations after they were allegedly involved in an indecent act at the Batu Gantung Chinese Cemetery in Ayer Itam here.
The remand order was issued by Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi at Magistrate’s Court 3, George Town, on Tuesday morning. The court allowed the remand from Tuesday until March 26.
The case came to light after a 38-second video clip of the incident went viral on social media, drawing public outrage. The footage allegedly showed a man without clothing facing away from the camera, while a woman, partially dressed, was seen sitting on a tombstone. The video also captured a woman confronting the pair, stating that such behaviour was not the first occurrence at the cemetery.
Northeast District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rozak Muhammad, confirmed that both suspects were arrested on Monday following a police report lodged in connection with the viral video.
The 37-year-old woman was detained at about 8.35pm at a flat near Jalan Padang Tembak. The 58-year-old man was arrested later at around 11.10pm in front of a building near Jalan Paya Terubong, Sungai Ara.
According to Abdul Rozak, both individuals are local citizens and have admitted their involvement in the incident. He added that investigations are being conducted under Section 294(a) of the Penal Code for obscene acts in public, Section 509 of the Penal Code for insulting modesty, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.
In the same video, the man was seen calmly putting on his trousers while the individual recording the clip reminded the couple that a cemetery is a place meant to honour and remember the deceased. The man reportedly apologised for his actions, but the apology was rejected as the woman recording the video warned that she would lodge a police report.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism online, with many calling for stern action to preserve the sanctity of burial grounds. Police have urged the public not to speculate or share unverified information that could interfere with investigations.
The case remains under investigation. – Sinar Harian
