Woman Decides to Hug the Sultan in Public: Faces Fine or Prison (3 photos + 1 video)
Category: Interesting photo stories, PEGI 0+
Today, 16:25
In Malaysia, 41-year-old Nurhaswani Afni Mohamad Zorki found herself at the center of a scandal after an incident during Independence Day celebrations in Ipoh, Perak. 
A woman dressed in black quietly mingled with the guests of honor in the front rows and suddenly ran onto the stage during the playing of the national anthem. There, she attempted to hug the Sultan of Perak, Nazrin Shah.
Security officers responded immediately and prevented contact. The woman was detained and taken to police. Perak Police Commissioner Noor Hisam Nordin confirmed the arrest and added that Zorki had previously had drug-related run-ins with the law and was under psychiatric observation. A drug test conducted after the incident came back negative.
The hearing took place on September 8 at the Ipoh Court presided over by Magistrate Mohd Harit Mohd Mazlan. Nurhaswani Afni Mohamad Zorki was charged with assault under Section 352 of the Malaysian Penal Code. Due to signs of schizophrenia, her confession has not yet been recorded, and the court ordered her to be remanded to Bahagia Ulu Kinta Hospital for a month-long observation to determine her sanity.
If found guilty, the woman faces up to three months in prison, a fine of up to RM1,000, or both. Her next court hearing is scheduled for October 7, 2025.
The incident has sparked intense public debate about the security of royal family members during public events. Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail stated that security protocols for sultans and state leaders will be strengthened, including the deployment of special forces and commandos to protect palaces and official events.
