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Perlis mufti: Corruption a graver problem than Pokemon Go
Published:  Aug 11, 2016 12:37 PM
Updated: 6:15 AM

Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin today spoke against incessant discussion about whether the game Pokemon Go is permissible in Islam or not.

This comes after the Kedah Fatwa Council declared the popular application haram (forbidden), while the Federal Territories mufti says the game should be avoided if it causes harm.

"I stress here, don't play with or do anything, including playing Pokemon Go, if it is something which dumbs you down or endangers yourself or society.

"Don't be so engrossed in the game that we forget everything else around us, and don't be too engrossed in discussing about whether Pokemon Go is permissible that we forget the graver dangers around us and existing matters which further dumb us down," Asri said in a statement.

"I find it strange that someone who smokes in public can speak of that dangers of Pokemon Go... and those who misuse public property are preoccupied with this game, while forgetting the game of misappropriation and bad governance that is ruining the nation," he added.

Asri said he decided to issue a statement on this after being flooded with queries by reporters on the matter.

"I tried to avoid commenting on this, but it seems this game is so great that so many people, including religious scholars, are speaking about it," Asri said.

Any wasteful act that brings harm to oneself or to society is forbidden in Islam and Malaysia is not short of such things, he said.

"There are many things which are not only as problematic as the game, but can ruin the country and future generations.

"The stupidity and harm brought by Pokemon Go can perhaps be controlled, but other harmful and stupefying matters (in this country) are less easy to curtail," Asri said.

The augmented reality game uses GPS technology to allow players to catch Pokemon characters which are superimposed onto their surroundings, via their mobile phone screens.

There have been reported cases of trespass, motor vehicle accidents, assault and bodily injuries involving Pokemon Go players.

The game was rolled out in Malaysia last week.

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