Report Lodged Against Man Who Called Out Authorities For Ignoring Illegal Gambling Dens
Mohd Asri went viral for exposing alleged illegal gambling premises. A police report was then lodged against him on the grounds that the clip could be defamatory for PDRM and MBSA.
By Arisha Rozaidee — 10 Aug 2020, 06:40 PM
A man in Sungai Buloh recently went viral after he posted a video pointing out alleged illegal gambling dens while criticising local authorities' inaction against them
On Saturday, 8 August, 42-year-old Mohd Asri Hamid, through the Hot Burger Malaysia Facebook page uploaded a video along with a caption that read, "Bismillah, I might get killed for exposing this and if I do, I hope all of you will know who did it."
He then added, "Let me show you how the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) is biased, you can judge the integrity of the MBSA Sungai Buloh chief yourself."
The clip has since garnered over 5.7 million views within two days.
In the video, Asri says that MBSA has taken down several burger stalls, including his own, while allowing other establishments that violate regulations to conduct business as usual
He points out multiple hawker stalls that violate general MBSA regulations such as those blocking car parks and roads.
Asri then continues to direct viewers to other premises that are believed to be gambling dens.
According to him, he had filed previous reports against them but his employees were then threatened by the kingpins.
"How could they possibly find out that I lodged the report unless an insider gave them the information? If I get shot, just know it's the gambling den kingpins," he says.
Following the viral video, a report was lodged against Asri by a senior Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) officer and the MBSA on the grounds that the clip could be defamatory
According to Sinar Harian, district police chief Shafa'aton Abu Bakar confirmed that the reports have been received by the PDRM.
She said, "The video that went viral on social media could cause slander and ruin the image of PDRM in their efforts to curb the illegal gambling syndicates at Sungai Buloh."
"The information in the video is inaccurate," she added.
Shafa'aton also explained that the authorities have raided six gambling dens in the area.
"A number of premises that were raided were locked and are believed to have stopped operations for a long time. The public who have information about gambling and smuggling activities are asked to provide the information to police," she said.
The Sungai Buloh District Police Facebook page posted several photos of the raided gambling dens along with a caption that read, "Traces of dust prove that the premises have not been operating and have been abandoned."
Meanwhile, MBSA issued an official statement clarifying the reason behind the closure of Asri's burger stall.
They noted that Asri's business violated MBSA regulations and they have warned him multiple times. MBSA also added that they will work closely with PDRM to investigate the issue of illegal gambling dens.
The police report against Asri sparked outrage among netizens and public figures.
In a recent interview, Asri said, "The police should thank me and send me flowers instead because I provided them with information."
When approached by Malakat Tribune, Asri said, "It's not like I have never informed the police before. I have notified the Bukit Aman Integrity and Standard Compliance Department, but no further action was taken."
"As a matter of fact, when I provided the authorities with information, I found out that my identity was revealed to those involved with the gambling syndicate," he added.
UMNO president Zahid Hamidi said, "I feel sorry for the founder of Hot Burger. It is impossible that he is lying. His priority is just to make sure the authorities carry out their duties effectively."
Meanwhile, Asri's initial video has garnered over 26,000 comments.
One person wrote, "PDRM please take appropriate action. If this is the situation, it's really embarrassing for us as citizens. Why are our officers useless?"
"Do not fear and do not succumb to corruption. This man is right. As long as our efforts are noble in the eyes of God. Do not ever succumb to corruption," wrote another netizen.
One user commented, "Enforcement officers who succumb to corruption. Be brave because you are telling the truth. Reveal all truths. May you be protected by God and godspeed."
