Singapore orders TikTok and Meta to disable accounts of ex-ISA detainee over alleged harmful online posts

Singapore has ordered TikTok and Meta to disable local access to the online accounts of Zulfikar Mohamad Shariff.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on 26 November 2025 that the move followed posts that allegedly incited hostility among racial and religious groups.

MHA accused Zulfikar, who renounced his Singapore citizenship in August 2020, of making online statements aimed at stirring discontent within the Malay/Muslim community against the Chinese community.

According to the ministry, one video posted on 19 June "falsely alleged" that Malay/Muslims were being compelled to abandon Islam and assimilate into the Chinese community.

MHA stated that other posts allegedly carried similarly inflammatory claims.

It added that numerous members of the public had provided feedback, including police reports, expressing concern that the posts threatened racial and religious harmony.

Police issued an Account Restriction Direction and a Disabling Direction under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA).

Under these directions, TikTok must restrict local access to Zulfikar’s account and Meta must disable the Singapore-facing version of his Facebook page.

MHA said the measures aim to prevent further communication that could harm social cohesion.

The ministry also confirmed that police investigations into Zulfikar’s conduct have begun under laws including the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.

Zulfikar, aged 54, was detained under the Internal Security Act in 2016.

According to MHA, he had at that time promoted extremist ideology, glorified the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, and contributed to the radicalisation of at least two Singaporeans.

MHA further alleged that Zulfikar had previously called for the creation of an Islamic state governed by Syariah law and had expressed willingness to support violence if necessary.

He moved to Australia in 2002, where he lived with his family and held dual citizenship until 2020.

He had operated several businesses in Singapore before relocating, including software development and food and beverage ventures.

He also ran Sinews Radio, active from 2001 to 2004.

Authorities said his recent online activities originated from Australia, where he continued to maintain a social media presence.

According to MHA, he allegedly attempted to interfere in the 2025 General Election.

MHA said he posted under the username Zai Nal, accusing several Malay-Muslim MPs of failing to represent community interests.

He also criticised the handling of the 2021 tudung issue, alleging that Malay-Muslim MPs were silent despite changes made for Muslim staff in healthcare settings.

Meta had previously been directed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority to block posts linked to these interference attempts.

OCHA, which came into force in February 2024, allows the Government to restrict exposure to online content associated with criminal activities.

Since its introduction, police have issued various directions to online platforms, including disabling directions and account restrictions.

In September, Meta received an OCHA directive to counter scam advertisements and impersonation attempts involving senior government office holders.

On 24 November, further directives were issued to Apple and Google to prevent spoofing of government agencies through messaging services.

Non-compliance with OCHA can lead to fines of up to S$1 million.

MHA emphasised that the Government takes alleged threats to racial and religious harmony seriously.

It said it would act decisively, including in cases involving foreigners, to safeguard social stability.