Eight held over Raya-themed gambling ad

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have detained eight individuals involved in the production of a Hari Raya-themed video which promoted online gambling.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said those detained were five men and three women.

"We received 38 police reports on the matter. Those detained were actors, agents, videographers as well as producers and director," he said in a statement on Saturday (April 17).

All individuals detained admitted to receiving payments for being involved in the production of the video, he added.

"The video was shot in Ampang and Hulu Langat on March 13. We are investigating under Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 4(1)(g) of the Open Gaming House Act as well as Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998," he said.

Acryl Sani said police will not compromise with any individual, who are involved in illegal gambling in the country.

"We hope the public will not speculate on the matter as the investigation is still underway. Those with information on the case should come forward as soon as possible," he added.

Bukit Aman had said earlier that it is investigating a Hari Raya-themed video which promoted online gambling.

The two minute-and one second-video has since gone viral on social media.

Acryl Sani had said the police will cooperate with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in the investigation.

He also called on the public not to share or spread the video on social media as it might cause public unrest.

"We hope the public can cooperate with us on this matter," he said.