Earlier this month, KK Super Mart faced heavy backlash after customers discovered sandwiches containing pork, despite a halal label on the packaging. The company has since apologised and announced that it has suspended business with its supplier, Shake And Bake Café Sdn Bhd.
Many have shared their thoughts on the incident, including comedian Harith Iskander. However, his comments on social media were not well received, and he is now facing legal trouble for his remarks.
For context, Harith Iskander recently made a joke about the KK Super Mart ham sandwich controversy, seemingly mocking Muslim customers who expressed anger at the retail brand for selling sandwiches labelled with the word ‘ham’. The comedian posted a photo on Facebook of himself purchasing a Ham Sap coffee and remarked that his “faith was challenged because the product had the word ‘ham’ on it”.
Several people have since reported the celebrity to the authorities over his insensitive joke, with a few likening the comment to insulting Prophet Muhammad. Johor Police Chief Datuk M. Kumar issued a stern reminder to the public to avoid making insensitive comments or jokes about the 3R (race, religion, and royalty) on social media, as such actions could disrupt public harmony and threaten peace.
Free Malaysia Today reported that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) will summon Harith Iskander for further questioning regarding his social media post, which is still up on his account at the time of writing. “[JAKIM] will never compromise and will take action if it is something that ridicules Islamic teachings and offends the sensitivities of Muslims. It is hoped that all parties can practise respect and tolerance in life,” said the JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
Harith Iskander is not the only person facing reports over an offensive religious joke; several others, including an individual named Cecelia Yap Song, are also currently under investigation by the authorities for similar reasons. It’s clear that this is one of those jokes that should have stayed in the vault, as you can never predict how people will react to it. What do you think about the issue? Did Harith Iskander go overboard with his joke or did people overreact?
