Man behind Quran-stepping act had posted similar videos, likely mentally unwell: Shanmugam

The man who uploaded a video showing a Quran being stepped on is likely the same individual who had posted similar offensive clips previously and was jailed last year, said Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam on Sunday (Mar. 8).

Suspect previously convicted over similar videos

Speaking to reporters at a community breaking-of-fast event in Yishun, Shanmugam said that the individual was charged and convicted in July 2025, and was subsequently sent to jail.

"At that time, he had loaded videos showing the Quran being stepped on as well," Shanmugam said.

He was released in December that year.

“There was some evidence then that he was mentally unwell,” Shanmugam said, adding that the man is currently overseas and will be interviewed by the police when he returns to Singapore.

Video described as “deeply offensive”

Shanmugam said the footage, believed to have been recorded on a public bus, was "deeply offensive", especially in the month of Ramadan.

Authorities were alerted to the incident after a police report was filed. The police subsequently took action by directing Meta to prevent access to the video.

Meta has since taken down the video.

Also speaking at the event, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said deliberate insults against any religion have no place in Singapore.

He said such acts not only affect the communities but also undermine the mutual respect that sustains Singapore’s multiracial and multireligious society.

"I am reassured that the authorities have taken swift steps to stop the circulation of the video and investigations are ongoing. Let us continue to uphold the values of mutual respect and understanding that keep our Singapore society strong."

War in Middle East could have global economic impact

Shanmugam also addressed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, highlighting its humanitarian and economic consequences.

He noted that the war has already had a significant impact on thousands of people.

He also said the war has a "huge economic impact" worldwide, including in Singapore.

“If the flow of oil and gas is disrupted, it will affect prices,” he said, noting that energy costs had already risen and could climb further depending on how the situation develops.

Shanmugam also said there was considerable uncertainty about how long the conflict might last.

"Wars usually are bad for people involved, as wellas others who are impacted. But in this case, it’s quite a lot of people around the world affected."

Top photo via Mothership