Harith Iskander Faces Backlash Over ‘Ham Sap’ Joke, Criticised for Insensitivity

Source: SAYS

Veteran comedian Harith Iskander has come under fire for his recent Instagram post joking about the name of a coffee shop menu item, “Ham Sap Kopi.” The post, made on 18 January, sparked outrage among Malaysians, with many calling it unfunny and insensitive.

The joke referenced the ongoing controversy surrounding two convenience stores selling non-halal ham and cheese sandwiches. In his caption, Harith sarcastically remarked that the coffee’s name was a bad influence on him, saying:

“This kopi will lead me down the wrong path in so many ways. Not just tempting me to become ‘ham sap’ (perverted) but also confusing me with the word ‘ham’ in it. Is this for drinking or eating? I must make a police report because I am so weak. I have lost all ability to use logic. Who else is confused?”

While the post garnered over 2,600 likes, it also attracted 640 comments, many of which were critical.

Public Backlash

Several netizens accused Harith of being insensitive to religious sentiments, with some even calling for a boycott using the hashtag “#BoikotHarithIskander.”

“When you are no longer relevant or funny, of course you have to ride [on] this halal haram issue, kan? Try harder because you made yourself look pathetic,” wrote one commenter.

Another user added, “People like this have no sensitivity towards religion, that’s why they think everything is funny even though they themselves are not funny. What a pity, this clown.”

Legal Action Taken

The controversy escalated when Shahrol, another Instagram user, filed a police report against Harith on 20 January, accusing him and another individual named Cecelia Yap of insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

According to Kluang district police chief Bahrin Mohd Noh, the case is being investigated under multiple laws, including Section 298 and Section 505(c) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. These provisions address offenses such as wounding religious feelings, public mischief, and transmitting obscene communication.

Divided Reactions

While many criticised Harith for crossing the line, some defended his post as a harmless attempt at humor, highlighting that satire is a common feature of comedy. However, the growing sensitivity towards religion in Malaysia has made such jokes increasingly contentious.

What’s Next for Harith?

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how Harith will respond to the backlash and whether the controversy will affect his standing in the entertainment industry. This incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between humor and offense, especially in a multicultural and multi-religious society like Malaysia.