JOHOR BARU: Police are investigating a recent Facebook post by local comedian Harith Iskander, which sparked controversy.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said investigations against the local celebrity, including a separate Facebook user, come after separate police reports lodged in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Baru North and Kluang.
“Johor police confirmed receiving the reports with regard to insults made against Islam by the Facebook account owner Harith Iskander and Cecilia Yap Song KL,” he said yesterday.
He added that the reports were made in relation to Harith’s recent Facebook post, which was accompanied by a photo of a “ham sap coffee” and a caption.
He said Harith’s post had received a comment from Yap.
Comm Kumar added that the reports are being investigated under Section 298 and 505(c) of the Penal Code, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
“The police are looking at this matter seriously and warn that stern action under the law will be taken against any quarters that play up the 3R (religion, royalty and race) sentiment on social media platforms,” he said.
On Monday, mStar reported that comedian Shahrol Shiro, also known as Shahrol Azizie Azmi, 41, filed a police report against Harith in Kluang.
Shahrol claimed that Harith’s Facebook status had opened up a space for netizens to make comments that were considered insulting to the purity of Islam.
“Harith Iskander and Cecilia Yap, police report on!” he said through a post on Instagram accompanied with a photograph of the police report.
On Sunday, Shahrol expressed his displeasure with Harith’s Facebook post, considering it excessive for using religious matters as material for mockery.
