BUKIT Aman has issued a stern warning in response to recent incidents involving vigilante groups confronting individuals over the issue of socks bearing the word “Allah”.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain stated that such actions would not be tolerated and urged the public to allow the authorities to enforce the law.
Speaking at a press conference held at the federal police headquarters, Shuhaily noted the importance of patience, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We (police) have already conducted investigations and actions have also been taken under the law.
“I believe they should leave it to authorities to enforce the law. By taking matters into their own hands, it would not help to diffuse the situation and instead make it worse,” he told a press conference at the federal police headquarters this morning.
“This is a holy and blessed month. Yes, we (Muslims) are hurt by this incident but our country has laws. So, it is better if action is taken in the context of lodging police reports.”
He also urged Muslims to trust in the legal system and refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
The warning comes in light of several incidents where individuals deemed to have insulted Muslims were targeted by vigilante mobs.
One such incident occurred in Kuala Lumpur, where a man was confronted by an influencer silat instructor and his associates. Following the confrontation, the man issued an apology and his personal details were circulated on social media platforms.
The individual involved has since been sentenced to six months in jail and fined RM12,000 by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.
“If (the vigilantes commit a crime, such as making criminal intimidation and such, then yes we will take stern action against them. Or if there is a police report. This country has laws. If you go beyond the law, you will have to pay the price,” said Shuhaily.
“No police report has been filed regarding an arson threat received by the factory supplying the controversial socks,” he added.
Furthermore, Shuhaily advised religious figures in the country to refrain from exacerbating tensions surrounding the issue and instead contribute to defusing the situation. – March 22, 2024
Main photo credit: Utusan
