Kudat MP irked over alleged assault on e-hailing rider with Sabahan accent in KL

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Verdon Bahanda is upset that a security guard in Kuala Lumpur allegedly assaulted an e-hailing rider with a Sabahan accent.

The Kudat MP said besides the violent act on the rider, the way the security guard seemingly discriminated against the latter for his dialect was embarrassing.

He said Malaysia has already celebrated 60 years of its formation, but such incidents were still taking place.

“This is unacceptable,” he said in a video shared widely on social media.

“This matter must be taken seriously. It is an affront to national integration.

“As a Sabah MP, I am utterly disappointed. I will discuss this with other Sabahan MPs if there is a need to bring this issue to the Dewan Rakyat,” Verdon added.

A police report was lodged over the incident, which was said to have occurred at a building at Lingkaran TRX in Kuala Lumpur.

According to a Facebook post, the incident was sparked by a misunderstanding between the duo.

It is believed that the rider was denied entry into the premises who had insisted on entering the building.

In the video clip, the man could be seen pinning down the rider while questioning his nationality as the man spoke in Malay but with a Sabahan accent.

When contacted, Dang Wangi Deputy OCPD Supt Nazron Abd Yusof said an investigation was opened under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.

The police have identified a witness to assist investigations.

However, in later postings on social media, a photo of the e-hailing rider and his alleged assailant showed the duo had made peace over the misunderstanding.

Verdon, however, urged the police to continue probing the matter as a mere apology will not serve to raise awareness among the public.