ON Saturday (8 August), a live broadcast posted by an individual named Asri Janggut on his business Facebook page, Hot Burger Malaysia, had gone viral.

In the video, Mohd Asri claimed that the authorities had ignored gambling activities in Sungai Buloh, besides revealing the gambling locations.

Following the revelation, Bukit Aman Police had received information about several officers and policemen allegedly protecting illegal gambling premises and are involved in the selling of smuggled cigarettes in the area.

Along with the Bukit Aman Integrity and Standards Compliance Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), further investigation are currently being conducted.

In the latest development, six individuals including five enforcement officers and a contraband cigarettes dealer were remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation.

Why it matters?

The events that ensued after the revelation of the illegal gambling protection racket highlights the government’s non-tolerance towards police misconduct.

Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) director, Datuk Zamri Yahya said that if any evidence found that there were any police misconduct and malpractice involved in protecting the syndicate, stern disciplinary action will be taken against them.

Meanwhile, lessons can be learned with regards to the reporting of illegal activities in Malaysia.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin had advised the public to use the right channels in reporting any criminal activities to avoid endangering one’s personal safety.

This came after the authorities had called upon Mohd Asri with regards to his statement that insulted the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) where he had accused the police of poor morals.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador had described Mohd Asri's allegation towards PDRM members as outrageous. Mohd Asri had since apologised.