New York, NY (Top40 Charts) An online gambling platform has caused an outburst after releasing a Hari Raya Aidilfitri video promoting online gambling in Malaysia.
The 3-minute video was set over a classical Hari Raya melody. Titled GDBet333, the video created the impression that you could double your wealth by using the company's services so you won't be left out from the Hari Raya festivities.
Hari Raya Aildilfiltir, also known as Eid al-Fitri, is a Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan. Hari Raya means "day of celebration," and Muslims are expected to feast and celebrate on this day.
The video clearly shows you can win real money playing the themed slot. Featuring a cast in traditional Malay clothing, the ad starts with a man who doesn't have money to celebrate the big festival coming. He eventually won big after trying the company's gambling platform. Following his luck, he bought a new car and went to his hometown, where his friends admired and celebrated him. The man explained to them that it was all thanks to the gambling platform and encouraged them to try it.
The video also featured a jingle in Malay that promoted the online gambling platform. A few lines from the jingle lyrics say, "What are you waiting for? Try it, if you are lucky, win big and celebrate Raya with joy." The platform called itself the top and trusted online casino in Malaysia.
Social Media Users React
The clip uploaded on YouTube by the online casino on April 9 triggered a backlash from social media users.
Many Malaysians complained about how the advertisement urged Muslims to gamble. The fact that the video featured two Malay-Muslims also didn't sit well with many. In Islam, gambling is forbidden, and the video producers were labelled insensitive to Muslims' beliefs.
Many believe that releasing the video during Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year in Islam, makes it even more inappropriate. Others complained about how the footage encourages using your gambling winnings to celebrate Hari Raya festivities.
Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Takes Action
Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) made an official statement on the video saying all forms of gambling and promotion of gambling is an offence according to the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Malaysia Police.
Also, MCMC instructed internet service providers to block access to platforms that violate the act. Taking further action, the commission reached out to Twitter, YouTube and Facebook to take down the videos from their platforms per their community guidelines and terms and conditions. They also encouraged social media users to report such content and not share it if they come across it. According to MCMC, spreading the video "will only help those involved spread their message to promote online gambling which can be harmful to Malaysian society."
The commission also reminded people to be wary about getting involved in platforms and activities that promote gambling. All video productions must meet the guidelines of MCMC and have content suitable for the norms of Malaysia.
Part of the official statement released on the 16th of April reads, "Following the broadcasting of an advertisement that invited Muslims in Malaysia to gamble to get Baklik Kampung (A Malay term that means 'return to village') donation for Hari Raya Aidilfitri that has since gone viral, MCMC would like to inform that it has communicated with media platform providers such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to take down the content in accordance with the community standards set by them."
The Police Involvement
The Deputy Inspector of Police, Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, announced that the police would perform an investigation under section 504 of the penal code for 'insult aimed at provoking a breach of the peace.' If found guilty, this offence carries a fine, a jail of up to 2 years or both.
The deputy made it known that the people and actors involved in the production will be called for questioning. Acryl also encouraged the public not to spread the video. "We hope the public will cooperate with us in this matter," he said.
Meanwhile, eight people have been arrested so far in connection to the video.
Politicians and Federal Territories in the country also found the video humiliating and a violation of the law.
The PKR Women's Wing Chief, Fuziah Salleh, mentioned that Muslims would find the video inappropriate, especially since it's linked to Ramadan.
"The company is using social media to encourage people to gamble after breaking fast to celebrate Hari Raya. This runs contrary to the understanding that fasting is to connect with our religion and stay away from sin," says the Chief.
Although the video has now been taken down, the YouTube channel that uploaded it and the online gambling platform are still accessible.
