Earlier this week, an individual known as Asri Janggut made headlines after he made a shocking revelation regarding the activities of selling smuggled cigarettes and also illegal business operations in Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh, Selangor.
The video, posted on his business Hot Burger Malaysia’s Facebook sparked quite a controversy after he claimed that the authorities have been biased in this issue. However, Asri, who is also a member of the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM), has since apologised over his statement.
In the live clip uploaded on the organisation’s official Facebook, Asri clarified that he never thought that his exposure would attract public attention. According to him, he only shared the real problem that has been occurring in the area.
“I’ll leave it 100% to God. To the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) as well as to all fellow traders, I apologise. I swear in the name of God, I have no problem with the local authorities. I’m not angry at all,” Asri was quoted as saying.
The entrepreneur continued, “It’s just that I was a bit pissed when the MBSA ‘disturbed’ my premise but didn’t take action against other shops nearby that operate illegal business. They can operate until 3am while other premises are closed. I asked the police to come and check the gambling centre. After I filed the complaint, the shop was closed, but it reopened two days later.”
The complaint was made at the Gambling and Vice Division of the Bukit Aman Police Headquarters through a phone call. Much to his dismay, he discovered that the premise was still operating despite his effort in combatting the syndicate.
“After that, I filed my report to the integrity department but no action was taken as well. The syndicate members then met my staff and asked why I interfered with their business. Apparently, the complaint had been recorded for the past three months, but the situation has remained the same,” shared Asri.
However, Asri asked the community to stop slamming the police. Instead, he urged everyone to help the authorities in fighting against these immoral activities. Meanwhile, PPIM leader, Datuk Nadzim Johan, who was also seen in the video, expressed his hope that the public will not point fingers at any party regarding the issue.
MACC will investigate allegations that police and other enforcement officers are protecting illegal gambling dens and selling of smuggled cigarettes in Sungai Buloh. pic.twitter.com/sh95NhwDqF
— BFM News (@NewsBFM) August 11, 2020
In related news, BFM reported that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will investigate the claims on whether the police as well as other enforcement officers have been protecting the illegal gambling premises and selling smuggled cigarettes in the area.
Furthermore, MACC will join forces with the Bukit Aman Integrity and Standards Compliance Department to probe any officials who may be involved with the syndicate.
