THE police have opened two investigation papers on Mohd Asri Hamid, also known as Asri Janggut, after the Hot Burger Malaysia founder alleged that most police and army personnel do not perform their prayers, which explains their low moral standard.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) deputy director Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said that Asri is being investigated following reports lodged against him for defaming the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).

“The investigation papers were opened following police reports made at the Travers and Jalan Tun Razak police stations today,” he told The Malaysian Insight today. 

Asri made headlines last Saturday after claiming that the authorities were turning a blind eye toward illegal gambling activities and the selling of smuggled cigarettes in Sg Buloh. 

Sg Buloh OCPD Supt Shafa’aton Abu Bakar later lodged a complaint alleging that the accusation was defamatory in nature and damaged the reputation of the police force. 

Asri’s claim also attracted the attention of Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador and Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin, who both summoned him for further explanation.

In his reaction today, Hamid described Asri’s accusation as farfetched and one that should not be expressed publicly. 

“That (prayer) is between you and God, and the police have never sidelined it. Moral and religious learning are always encouraged within the force. 

“The police also have a hafiz (Quran memoriser), and every district police headquarters (IPD) has a surau (prayer area),” he said after an event in Bukit Aman today. 

Mior said the case is being investigated under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code for statements causing public mischief and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act. 

He added that Asri will be called in to give his statement to the CID soon. 

“We will summon him some time this week,” he said. 

In an interview yesterday, Asri had cited the lack of performing prayers for the poor morals among security personnel. 

“Smoking, not praying. Try asking any policeman whether they perform the subuh (dawn) prayer.

“When was the last time they led their wives in subuh prayers?

“Have they asked their children what the shahadah is?” 

Meanwhile, Asri took to Facebook to post an apology. 

“I admit my shortcomings, hastiness and ignorance. I feel very ashamed, regretful and guilty over this matter.

“I wish to ask for a thousand apologies due to my ignorance,” he wrote. – August 12, 2020.