KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested a man who allegedly threatened popular local comedian Harith Iskander and his family.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the 31-year-old man was arrested today following a report lodged by the victim's manager at the Dang Wangi police station two days ago.
"In the first incident, the victim was contacted by the suspect at 11.21am on Tuesday while he was at Semua House, Jalan Bunus 6, Masjid India.
"The man threatened to murder him after the victim issued a statement on the ham issue," he said when contacted.
He said that in the second incident, which occurred at 3pm two days ago, the victim's manager was at a restaurant on Jalan Bunus 6 when she received a picture message containing alleged threats against Harith's children.
Razarudin said the suspect has been remanded until Jan 28 to help with further investigations for criminal intimidation and intentionally insulting a person's modesty under Section 506 and Section 509 of the Penal Code.
"We have seized the suspects mobile phone to facilitate further investigations," he said.
LINK: https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2025/01/1166195/showbiz-harith-i...
It was reported that the highly anticipated "Punchline: Harith Iskander 35 Years of Laughter" show, scheduled for tonight, has been cancelled following disturbing threats against the comedian's family.
In an official statement today, Harith's manager, Dr Jezamine Lim, confirmed that the decision was made jointly by Dewan Filharmonik Petronas and Harith's family.
Harith expressed deep disappointment over the cancellation, saying that months of preparation had gone into the show.
The threats stem from backlash over a controversial Facebook post Harith shared on Jan 21.
The post, which included a caption and comments from another account, Cecelia Yap Song KL, was accused of insulting Islam.
The post featured a cup of coffee labeled "Ham Sap Kopi," with a caption that read: "I'm SO confused. My iman tergugat. This kopi will lead me down the wrong path in so many ways. Not just tempting me to become hamsap but ALSO confusing me with the word 'ham' in it. Ni untuk minum atau makan (is this for eating or drinking)? I must make a police report because I am so weak I have lost all ability to use logic. Who else is confused?"
Cecelia Yap Song KL commented: "All names with MoHAMmad... got to be renamed then," which sparked outrage online.
Several police reports were lodged, prompting an investigation into Harith's post.
Harith's statement was recorded, and a separate police report regarding the threats was filed at the Dang Wangi police station on Tuesday.
The cancellation marks a sombre note for what was meant to celebrate Harith's 35 years in comedy, overshadowed by controversy and concern for his family's safety.