KUALA LUMPUR – Police are tracking down a man believed to be the mastermind behind the production of two Hari Raya Aidilfitri-themed advertisements promoting online gambling.
Loh Kee Hoe, 35, who has a Kuala Lumpur address, is wanted for investigation under Section 504 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, and Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gambling Houses Act 1953.
Dang Wangi district police chief Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said Loh is suspected to be involved in directing the two videos promoting online gambling, which went viral on social media.
“Besides that, police are also looking for the man and woman who acted in the second video to assist in the investigation,” he said at a press conference at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters here today.
Police also confirmed that the first and second advertisements were produced by the same company and although the actors in the two videos were different, they knew each other and were paid RM180 each.
Zainal said the first video went viral yesterday and the second one this morning. He said they were clearly launched during the month of Ramadan, thus tarnishing the image of Islam and the fasting month.
In this regard, he advised the public not to share the videos and asked anyone with information to contact investigating officer Zairil Hazly Zulkifli at 017-458-9997 or the nearest police station.
“Any activity that promotes gambling is an offence,” he said, adding that police believe those behind the production of the videos are organisers of online gambling in the country.
Zainal said eight individuals were arrested yesterday to assist in the investigation, with two of them, the production director and cameraman, remanded until April 21, while six others who were actors in the first video were released.
In a statement today, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the five men and three women were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the filming of a video promoting online gambling, which has been spreading on social media since yesterday, sparking public outrage.
The arrested individuals are believed to be involved as actors, artiste agents, videographers, cameramen, producers and directors in the filming of the video.
Meanwhile, when asked about the case of local celebrity Neelofa, who allegedly violated the movement control order standard operating procedures during her wedding ceremony, Zainal said investigations were almost complete. – Bernama, April 17, 2021
