Man linked to Quran-stepping video arrested over separate case of insulting Muslims

A 27-year-old man, previously linked to a viral video depicting someone stepping on the Quran on a public bus, has been arrested in Singapore on Friday (Aug 7) for allegedly insulting Muslims through online posts, according to the Singapore Police Force.

The man was deported from Malaysia on Aug 6, 2026, and apprehended upon his arrival in Singapore. He faces up to five years in prison, a fine, or both for the alleged offense, which involves posting insulting and profane remarks against the Muslim community on social media.

The police had previously received a report about the man on Mar 1, 2026, but he had already left Singapore before their report. In response to a video showing someone stepping on the Quran, Meta was directed by the police to disable access to the offensive content for Singapore users on Mar 7, 2026.

The incident involving the Quran-stepping video is also under investigation. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam stated that the man is likely the same individual who uploaded similar videos in the past and was convicted and jailed in July 2025 for the same offense, which he served from July to December 2025.

The police emphasized their firm stance on acts that threaten racial and religious harmony in Singapore, asserting that any person making remarks or acting in a manner that could cause enmity, hatred, ill-will, or hostility between different racial or religious groups will be dealt with swiftly and firmly in accordance with the law.