Firebomb attack on Kuching KK Mart outlet very 'un-Sarawakian', says state deputy minister

SIBU: The Molotov cocktail attack on a KK Mart branch in Kuching on Sunday (March 31) is very ‘un-Sarawakian’, says a state lawmaker.

State Deputy Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, in condemning the act, said such toxic behaviour was unacceptable and tantamount to a challenge on the core values, culture, and harmony of Sarawak.

He pointed out that no one should take the matters into their own hands as it disrupts the racial harmony and unity in the state.

“It has never happened before, and it should not happen at all in Sarawak. This is so ‘un-Sarawakian’.

“Sarawak society is always considered a prime model for racial unity and harmony. It came as a shock that this should happen in Sarawak,” he said in a statement Tuesday (April 2)

Tiang, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief, pointed out that such acts are a serious crime and those who committed it must be prosecuted regardless of any reasons they give.

He also pointed out that everyone should come together to say no to such behaviour and defend the Sarawak spirit as well as its core values, culture and harmony.

“Every Sarawakian has a role to play and defending Sarawak's spirit, core values, culture and harmony is a shared responsibility,” he pointed out.

Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, also urged the public to remain calm.

On Sunday, police received a report of someone hurling a Molotov cocktail at the KK Super Mart outlet at Jalan Satok.

The act had caused boxes containing beverages placed on the five-foot way in front of the store to catch fire.

The police are still investigating the case under Section 435 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage.

The incident in Kuching is the third KK Mart outlet to be firebombed with similar incidents happening at outlets in Kuantan, Pahang, and Bidor in Perak.