KUALA LUMPUR: Two cars belonging to controversial film Mentega Terbang director Khairi Anwar Jailani and screenwriter Arjun Thanaraju were reportedly splashed with paint and acid today.
Several images of the incident in Kajang and Ampang have gone viral on social media today showing the condition of the vehicles, a Proton Saga and a Toyota Vios, apart from death threat notes left by the perpetrators.
The death notes reading "You and your family must die", "Mentega Terbang don't challenge Islam" and "Remember (this) Mentega Terbang family" were left on both the vandalised cars.
The lawyer representing the duo, Zaid Malek, said both his clients noticed the incident early this morning and had made separate police reports at the Kajang police station and the Ampang police station.
"Khairi's car was splashed with paint, while Arjun's car was splashed with paint and some kind of corrosive substance.
"On both cars, they found some notes that said the movie Mentega Terbang insults Islam," Zaid told BH today.
He added that since Mentega Terbang became controversial, many parties involved in the film, including the cast and crew had received threats and criticism on social media.
"These incidents are uncalled for, especially since the team has already given investigators their cooperation on the matter.
"And the one other thing bugging us is how did the suspect knows where they live and what car they drove?" he said.
Zaid said although there some who did not agree with the content of the film, the cast and crew should not be harassed and threatened in such a manner.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, in a reply to a news portal report also condemned the act.
"I strongly condemn these threats as well as any actions outside the bounds of the law.
"Malaysians must obey the law, do not take actions that can damage property and threaten lives. Follow the law, don't take matters into your own hands."
Netizens also voiced their discontentment and said such an act would only tarnish the image of Islam.
Meanwhile, Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussien Omar Khan when contacted said investigations were being carried out under Section 427 of the Penal Code for causing damage to property and Section 507 of the Penal Code for making death threats.
"The incident is believed to have happened after 3am and it was only noticed by the victims early in the morning. Both victims then lodged a police report at about 8am this morning," he said.
So far no arrest has been made.