SHAH ALAM: Subang Umno Youth lodged a report urging police to probe the sale of recycled shopping bags with the malicious words against the Prime Minister printed on them.
Its executive committee member Alan Ridzuan said the bags were displayed on a table in a mall in Petaling Jaya, with a donation box next to them with a sign which read “RM10 donation for each bag”.
“At about 10am on (Friday), while I was shopping at the mall, I spotted the sales of recycled shopping bags out in the open in the walkway. I believe those words were aimed at defaming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“I urge the authorities to investigate the person behind the sale of the bags,” he told reporters after lodging the report at the district police headquarters.
“It was a one-day sale. We want to know what was purpose of this? Can (the mall) management respond to this? How can the management allow such an act to occur within its premises? We urge the management and police to investigate this matter.”
Alan is also Gerakan Biro Bersatu Abata deputy president and Gerakan Team Bos 38 member.
Attempts to contact the mall in question for comments were futile at press time.
Meanwhile, Shah Alam district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shafien Mamat when contacted said the case has been referred to Petaling Jaya district police headquarters for further action.
Petaling Jaya district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zani Che Din said the Petaling Jaya Criminal Investigation Department received the report and the case will be investigated.
“We have yet to record any statements because the booth concerned was sub-leased and we have to first get in touch with the event organiser. The seller is no longer at the mall,” Zani added.
A spokesman from the mall expressed regret over the incident.
“A company booked our main atrium recently to hold a bazaar selling artisan products such as clothes, accessories, food, household items and knick-knacks.
“We deeply regret the bazaar was found to be promoting an item that was deemed defamatory and we will extend our full assistance to the authorities for their investigation into the matter,” the spokesman said.