KUALA LUMPUR – Police have arrested controversial preacher Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu over a Facebook post related to the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said Zamri was detained in Perlis at 3.30pm today and is currently being held at the Padang Besar District Police Headquarters (IPD) lockup. He will be brought to court in Kangar tomorrow for a remand order.
According to Berita Harian, a report was lodged at the Dang Wangi IPD in Kuala Lumpur regarding the post, with the complainant urging police to investigate Zamri for alleged incitement and defamation of the Hindu religion.
Razarudin said that the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“As part of the investigation, police have seized a Vivo mobile phone,” he said.
“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will also take further action regarding Zamri Vinoth’s Facebook account.
On March 20, the media reported that discussions on relocating the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple—situated on land owned by Jakel Group—were proceeding harmoniously between the company, temple management, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
On Tuesday, the temple committee confirmed that an agreement had been reached with DBKL to move to a nearby site measuring 4,000 square feet. — March 27, 2025