Polong actress June Lojong draws attention for resemblance to Mona Fandey ahead of film release
Scheduled for nationwide release on May 28, Polong has already positioned itself as one of the more closely watched local productions, driven by the public’s continued fascination with one of Malaysia’s most talked-about criminal cases.
SHAH ALAM - The upcoming horror film Polong has begun attracting public attention ahead of its release, with viewers noting the striking resemblance between lead actress June Lojong and the late Mona Fandey.
The similarity has even been acknowledged by June herself, although she has clarified that the film is not based on or retelling the infamous case.
Veteran journalist Syahril Kadir also shared his reflections on the film in a Facebook post, expressing surprise at how closely the film’s lead actress resembles one of Malaysia’s most well-known and controversial figures.
“I was genuinely shocked when I saw the still images released from the upcoming film Polong, which is set to be screened soon. The film is said to be inspired by the case of Mona Fandey.
“Honestly, June Lojong’s appearance in the film bears a striking resemblance to the late Mona,” he said.
The film, directed by Zulkarnain Azhar features June alongside her husband, actor Nam Ron, with both portraying a married couple on screen.
Drawing from his own experience covering the original case, Syahril provided context to the historical significance that continues to shape public perception.
“At the time of the murder case, I had not yet become a crime journalist. However, when Mona was sentenced to death at Kajang Prison, I was among the journalists covering the event.
“I still remember how we were already on standby early in the morning after being informed that Mona had been executed and her body taken to the cemetery. Mona, her husband Affendi and their accomplice Juraimi were hanged at dawn on Nov 2, 2001.
“I was also among the journalists who interviewed the late Tan Sri Zaman Khan regarding the case. At the time of the incident, Zaman was the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director.
“I also had the opportunity to interview Mr Sabu, a former serious crimes detective who was involved in digging up the grave to retrieve the murder victim.
“To complete the picture, I also managed to interview the late Ustaz Rashid, a religious officer from the Prisons Department, who guided Mona in reciting the shahada in the final room just minutes before her execution,” he shared.
Syahril said beyond his reporting work, he had personally visited key locations connected to the case. This included the murder site in Ulu Dong, Raub, Pahang, as well as the graves of Mona and her husband in Kajang, where he paid his respects.
He added that the child of the murder victim in the case remains a friend of his to this day.
“Al-Fatihah to Mona, the victim and everyone involved in one of the most shocking murder cases in the country.
“Only Allah knows their ultimate fate and Allah knows best,” he said.
Addressing the growing comparisons, June acknowledged the resemblance but clarified the creative direction of the film.
“I acknowledge that I bear some resemblance to the late Mona Fandey, but this is not a retelling of that shocking murder case.
“It is merely inspired by the story, not a factual account of the incident. The storyline is completely different,” said June, who plays the character Maria Hadi in the film.
Polong centres on the story of Maria, a woman entangled in black magic and burdened by past actions, who seeks redemption towards the end of her life.
As part of that journey, she is forced to release a supernatural entity she had long kept, inadvertently passing it on to another individual.
Following her death, the entity returns with vengeance, leaving its next bearer to confront the consequences of her actions.
The film also features a supporting cast that includes Mimi Lana, Fad Anuar and Nadiya Nisaa.
Scheduled for nationwide release on May 28, Polong has already positioned itself as one of the more closely watched local productions, driven by the public’s continued fascination with one of Malaysia’s most talked-about criminal cases.
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