Malaysian movie Mentega Terbang has recently received flak online for various aspects involving religious sensitivities. The controversial film has received plenty of backlash from Malaysians who have resorted to taking the movie down on streaming platforms as well as lodge a police report against the movie.
Recently, it was reported that the cars belonging to director Khairi Anwar Jailani and actor Arjun Thanaraju of the controversial film were vandalised this morning (March 16).
In a post on Twitter by Malaysia Correspondent for South China Morning Post, Hadi Azmi shared photos of the duo’s vehicle which showed the extent of the damage, as well as 5 signs with death threats directed at them and their families.
According to Hadi, paint and acid was thrown on the cars by assailants who also left death threats against them and family.
The signs with the death threats claimed that the film is insulting Islam.
According to a report by South China Morning Post, Khairi said that he was informed of the attack by the management of his housing estate which noticed the blotches of red and black paint on his white Toyota sedan.
“I am doing okay now, but my wife was shaken”, Khairi said.
The director said he also received a text message from the alleged assailant telling him not to insult Islam, and threatening to have him run down on the road “next time”.
Public outrage
The acts by the assailants have since been condemned by Muar MP Syed Saddiq as well as Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
In a post on Twitter, Saddiq wrote, “This is outrageous! We have the space to disagree on certain matters, but sending death threats and outright damaging people’s properties like this is an absolute disgrace. Islam has never condoned violent behaviour as such! Extremists should be stopped at once.”
Saya kecam sekeras2nya ugutan2 ini serta sebarang tindakan di luar batas undang2.
Rakyat Malaysia mesti patuh undang2, jangan ambil tindakan yang boleh merosakkan harta benda, mengancam nyawa.
Follow the law, don’t take matters into your own hands. https://t.co/8gmq4ZZyoJ
— Fahmi Fadzil ?? (@fahmi_fadzil) March 16, 2023
Meanwhile, Fahmi wrote, “I strongly condemn these threats and actions that have gone over the boundaries of the law. Malaysians must obey the law and not take actions that can damage property or harm lives.”
“Follow the law, don’t take matters into your own hands.”
We hope that the authorities get to the bottom of the matter and find the perpetrators responsible for this act of terrorism.
Also read: Fahmi: Controversial ’Mentega Terbang’ Film Has Been Removed From Streaming Service
