KUALA LUMPUR – A Hari Raya Aidilfitri commercial by online betting platform GDBet333 – which encourages Muslims to gamble – has caught the attention of politicians, who are demanding immediate action be taken by the authorities.
PKR Women chief Fuziah Salleh said the ad, which features a catchy Raya song, could be seen as inciting the Muslim community into committing sins.
The Kuantan MP added that the video is extremely offensive to the Muslims, who are currently observing the holy month of Ramadan.
“For GDBet333 to release such a commercial to invite Muslims to gamble in search of money to return to their home towns and celebrate Raya is very offending.
“I urge the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to take stern action for the production of the song, which has clearly breached the MCMC Act,” she said in a statement today, while calling on Muslims ministers to act on the matter.
Fuziah said encouraging Muslims to use social media to gamble during Ramadan also contradicts the spirit and understanding of fasting and celebrating Hari Raya, which are meant to cleanse oneself from sins and to seek forgiveness.
Yesterday, The Vibes reported that GDBet333 had released a two-minute, 48-second Raya commercial promoting the platform’s offer for a chance to win big.
The ad features a Muslim man planning to return to his home town but lacks cash, with the jingle claiming there is an easy way to make money.
The chorus goes: “GDBet333 ada, apa nak tunggu, marilah cuba, untung nasibmu, engkau berjaya, cuci semua, kemudian beraya (There is GDBet333, what are you waiting for, try it, if you’re lucky, you’ll win, clean it out, then celebrate Raya).”
Federal Territories PAS commissioner Azhar Yahya said the video disrupts public harmony, especially with its use of the Hari Raya theme and featuring what appear to be Malay cast members.
“It is not only disgraceful to the Islamic religion, but is clearly against the laws of this country,” he said.
“Federal Territories PAS urges the government to be sterner and more effective in tackling matters like this. Why does it take so long to address it?”
The ad was uploaded to the company’s YouTube account on April 9, and plays on its website’s landing page, but only began making rounds on social media recently, with many netizens slamming the betting firm for its lack of sensitivity.
Azhar said any issues concerning gambling should be dealt with immediately and sternly.
“The government must address the issue of gambling to the core. There should be no question of halal (legal) or haram (illegal) gambling. During this emergency period, there shouldn’t be a problem for the government to take more efficient action.” – The Vibes, April 16, 2021
