KUALA LUMPUR – Police have arrested eight individuals suspected of involvement in the production of a contentious Hari Raya commercial by an online betting platform.
The “mastermind”, however, remains at large.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, in a statement today, said to date, a total of 38 reports have been lodged over the video.
“Following investigations, we identified and arrested five men and three women believed to be the actors, artistes’ agents, videographer and producer/director. They will be remanded to facilitate the probe.
“Efforts are ongoing to track the mastermind behind the production of the video.”
He said the eight were nabbed under Section 504 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, and Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
Those detained have admitted to receiving payments for the video shoot, which was done in two locations – Ampang and Hulu Langat, Selangor – on March 13, he said.
“Police will not compromise with any individuals involved in any form of gambling.
“The public is advised not to speculate, as the probe is ongoing. Those with further information can forward it to police.”
The Vibes on Thursday reported that local online casino GDBet333 has released a two-minute, 48-second Raya commercial promoting gambling, and featuring what appears to be a Malay-Muslim cast.
The ad features a Muslim man planning to return to his hometown, but lacking in 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 (winnings), then celebrate Raya).”
The video was taken down yesterday, and GDBet333’s social media accounts removed following brickbats from netizens, who are calling for action to be taken against the company.
It is unclear if the removals were done by GDBet333 or the respective social media platforms. – The Vibes, April 17, 2021
