POLICE have arrested three Chinese youths for posting racist remarks on popular social networking site Facebook.

The trio, aged between 17 and 18, are believed to be active members of a Facebook group which is named after a derogatory term to describe Indians.

Following a report lodged last Saturday, police conducted extensive inquiries and established the identity of the suspects.

All three were arrested on Sunday and are out on bail. Investigations are ongoing.

Commander of Bedok Police Division and Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Teo Chun Ching said: 'Police take a very stern view of acts that could threaten the social harmony in Singapore.

'The Internet may be a convenient medium to express one's views but members of the public should bear in mind that they are no less accountable for their actions online.'

Checks online yesterday showed that the group, which has more than 2,000 members, was still active.

Posts on the group's page were largely critical of the group.

Under the Sedition Act, anyone found guilty of promoting feelings of ill will and hostility between different races or classes of the Singapore population shall be liable, on conviction for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or both.

In 2005, two people were convicted of posting racist remarks on their personal websites. One was jailed for a month and the other was jailed for one day and fined $5,000.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.