[UPDATED] DBKL suspends Crackhouse over performance that allegedly insulted Islam

KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has temporarily suspended the operating licence of a comedy club in Taman Tun Dr Ismail after a woman who professed to be of Muslim faith took off clothing and allegedly insulted Islam during an open mic show.

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said this move sends a clear message that his ministry and DBKL will not tolerate any activities that insult religious and racial sensitivities as well as the country’s sovereignty.

“The issue also garnered criticism from residents and netizens who felt that the viral video (of the woman’s performance) was aimed at insulting the image of Islam.

“DBKL has carried out an investigation into the premises and the temporary suspension is effective today,” he said in a statement.

He added that enforcement operations will be carried out from time to time and hopes that the public will lodge reports of such incidents.

It was previously reported that Crackhouse Comedy Club had lodged a police report at the Taman Tun Dr Ismail police station against the woman, adding that she and her partner had been barred from the venue immediately after the performance.

A video of the woman who pulled the stunt in front of an audience during a three-minute open mic session at Crackhouse Comedy Club has since gone viral on social media.

In the 45-second video, the woman introduced herself as “Siti Amira binti Abdullah” and claimed to be a Muslim and to have memorised 15 chapters (juzuk) of the Quran.

She then started to take off her headscarf and baju kurung as the audience cheered her on.

The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) has also conducted a preliminary investigation into the video, with its director Datuk Mohd Ajib Ismail saying that the probe had been carried out by the Jawi Enforcement Division. – The Vibes, July 10, 2022