Malaysian police have arrested a Bangladeshi man on charges of making derogatory remarks on social media regarding the Hindu festival Diwali, reports Free Malaysia Today (FMT).

Johor police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the 29-year-old was arrested (without revealing his identity) in Muar district, Johor state, on Friday, for what police believed "could threaten public order and peace".

"On November 5, a video was posted on social media about the suspect's statement related to Hinduism, Muslims, and the Deepavali festival which could threaten public peace," FMT quoted him as saying at a press conference on Saturday.

The investigation also found that the arrestee's work permit had expired and he was overstaying  in the country, the police chief said.

The man has been placed on 14-day remand, he added.