Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Student Pleads Not Guilty to Defiling Koran in Malaysia

3/3/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Vikneswaran K. Selvanathan, a 21-year-old student, pleaded not guilty to charges of defiling a sacred object and transmitting grossly offensive material on social media.
The case sparked outrage in Malaysia during Ramadan.
He allegedly stepped on a Koran on February 22 to insult Islam.
If he is convicted on the second charge, he could face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 ringgit (US$128,000).

1 of 1

Story summary

Vikneswaran K. Selvanathan, a 21-year-old student, pleaded not guilty to charges of defiling a sacred object and transmitting grossly offensive material on social media.
The case sparked outrage in Malaysia during Ramadan.
He allegedly stepped on a Koran on February 22 to insult Islam.
If he is convicted on the second charge, he could face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 ringgit (US$128,000).