Muslims in Sarawak are free to play Pokemon GO, the state government said.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg told The New Straits Times that the reason for letting Muslims in the state play Pokemon GO is simple; the game has nothing to do with religion.
“The issue of whether it is ‘haram’ (forbidden), ‘harus’ (compulsory) or ‘halal‘ (allowed) does not arise since it is only game.
“The issue here is whether the game is ‘memudaratkan’ (can lead to harm).
“If this game is deemed ‘haram’, then what about other mobile games that are available out there?,” Johari, who is also Sarawak’s minister-in charge of Islamic religious affairs, was quoted as saying.
However, Johari noted that the decision to ban the game ultimately belongs to Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
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“This has nothing to do with religion. I will leave it to the MCMC to decide.
“Those who are playing the game, however, must be responsible and know your boundaries,” he was further quoted by the daily as saying.
Last week, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has urged all Muslims in the country to stop playing Pokemon GO as it has significant negative impact on its players.
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