JOHOR BARU: The public are urged not to take matters into their own hands when enforcing religious practices, says Johor executive councillor Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.
The Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman said this following an incident where a man reportedly slapped an individual eating at a shopping mall in the city centre.
"I was informed that a man allegedly struck a person who was eating at the mall. However, initial claims suggest that the individual was a non-Muslim.
"While preventing wrongdoing is commendable, we must first verify the facts. Islam teaches us to investigate matters carefully (tabayyun) before making any judgments," he added.
"No one has the right to punish others. If there is a concern, report it to us, and we will investigate, issue notices, or take legal action if necessary," he said.
He made these remarks when met by reporters after conducting food inspections at food outlets at the Pandan wholesale market on Monday (March 17).
Mohd Fared said that vigilante actions not only go against Islamic teachings but also violate the law.
"I hope incidents like this do not happen again in Johor," he said.
Yesterday, two videos lasting 32 seconds and 44 seconds of the alleged incident went viral on social media.
