Ministry has identified individuals who allegedly insulted the Prophet - Ahmad Shabery

The Communication and Multimedia ministry has identified the two individuals who allegedly insulted Prophet Muhammad through Facebook on Friday.

Its minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said they were registered as 'Calvin Gani' and 'Rakyat Anarki' in their respective Facebook accounts.

He said the cases had been submitted to the police for further investigation and action.

He stressed that the ministry viewed Internet abuse seriously, particularly the spread of defamation and sedition that could potentially arouse antagonism and uneasiness among the communities in the country.

"I wish to remind Internet users in the country that they will not escape the law even though their actions or statements in social websites such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs may have been made on a personal basis," he told reporters after a community function at Felda Neram Satu here today.

When asked whether Malaysia would ban social websites such as Facebook, Ahmad Shabery said there was no necessity to do so, as the medium could be used positively for various benefits such as access to speedy information, business networks and to strengthen inter-racial harmony.

"But I would not dismiss the possibility of the government having to seek the views of the people on whether it should, if the incidences of negative usage is so prevalent leading to anger and tension among the people," he said.