KUALA LUMPUR – Police have received instructions to prosecute a woman for allegedly insulting Islam during a stand-up comedy skit in Taman Tun Dr Ismail recently.
In a statement, federal police secretary Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said the investigation papers have been sent to the Attorney-General’s Chambers today.
“PDRM (police) have received instructions to prosecute the woman under Section 298A of the Penal Code, while her boyfriend will be prosecuted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998,” she said, as quoted by The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal Getaran.
Section 298A of the Penal Code relates to “spreading words that cause disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion”, and provides up to five years imprisonment upon conviction.
On the other hand, Section 233 of the CMA covers the misuse of communications networks and carries a maximum of one year in jail, or a fine of up to RM50,000.
“The remand against the woman has ended today and is being extended for one more day to assist investigations.”
Noorsiah had previously said the boyfriend was arrested on Sunday (July 10) for investigations and was being remanded for three days until tomorrow (Wednesday).
Police detained the woman on Saturday for allegedly insulting Islam after a video clip of her performance went viral on social media.
In the 45-second clip, the woman introduced herself as “Siti Amira binti Abdullah”, claiming to be Muslim and to have memorised 15 chapters (juzuk) of the Quran.
A few seconds into her act, she started to take off her headscarf and baju kurung to reveal her spaghetti-string top and miniskirt as the audience cheered and clapped.
Her act eventually led to the Crackhouse Comedy Club’s operating licence being temporarily suspended by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the suspension 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.
It was previously reported that the 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.
The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) 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 12, 2022
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