While Malaysians are waiting anxiously for the release of the much-anticipated Pokemon Go, a local preacher claims that the free-to-play augmented reality game is dangerous and goes against the teachings of Islam.
Shahrizan Daud at-Turabi told Berita Harian, as translated by The Malay Mail Online, that the game contained betting elements as it rewarded gamers for capturing the cartoon monsters.
Shahrizan added that the game could also cause addiction.
“Pokemon Go endangers the life of a person as there are reports stating that people entered restricted areas just to catch a Pokemon monster,” he was quoted as saying, citing reports from Bosnia where gamers were reportedly going into landmine areas to catch the Pokemons.
Therefore, Shahrizan — who described himself as an inspirational trainer and a TV host on his Facebook page — warned that such actions will affect the development of Muslims.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has given police officers the green light to play Pokemon Go when it officially launches in the country.
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