SEPANG, Feb 18 — A married couple, who operate a roasted corn stall in Kota Warisan, Sepang, were arrested on yesterday following the display of a racially charged sign that sparked public outcry.

Sinar Harian reported Sepang Deputy OCPD Supt G K Shan Gopal confirming that the man, in his 60s, was released on police bail, while his wife, an Indonesian in her 50s, was remanded under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying her visa.

“The woman was found to have overstayed her visa. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the incident.

“We have recorded statements from seven witnesses to assist in the investigation,” Supt Shan reportedly told Sinar Harian.

The case is being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, Section 4 of the Sedition Act 1948, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The incident gained widespread attention after the couple, who had apologised for the sign, admitted their actions could harm racial harmony.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang took to X, where he said the trader had assured that the act would not be repeated.

PKR vice president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad also condemned the incident, stressing that labelling any race with derogatory terms goes against Malaysia’s core principles of unity.

“Such acts involve a few individuals with extreme and racist attitudes, and do not represent an entire race,” Nik Nazmi added.