Popular Malaysian rapper Namewee has been charged with illegal drug use and possession, local media reported on Monday, quoting Kuala Lumpur police.
Namewee, who pleaded not guilty to both charges, has been released on bail after being arrested last month, authorities said.
The 42-year-old is known for his satirical songs and music videos about taboo topics in Malaysia, from obscenity to religion to China's censorship.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Namewee denied using or carrying drugs.
The truth will be out when the police report is released, he wrote.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus stated that Namewee was arrested on 22 October in a hotel room, where they found pills believed to be ecstasy - also known as MDMA.
Namewee later tested positive for illicit substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC, and was remanded for two days, Fadil said in a statement.
If convicted of drug possession, he could face up to five years in prison and caning.
A police official indicated that Namewee was in the same hotel as Iris Hsieh, a Taiwanese influencer who was found dead in her hotel room bathtub.
Namewee expressed feeling deeply sorry about Hsieh's death, noting that the ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive at the scene.
He mentioned that he had remained silent regarding the case, though it remains unclear if he's referring to his drug charges or Hsieh's death.
Additionally, he claimed to have received blackmail threats in recent days but vowed to fight to the end.
Namewee's history of controversies includes a 2016 arrest for a song that critics said insulted religious sensitivities, and a 2021 viral song that poked fun at Chinese nationalism and was banned by China.
