JOHOR BARU: Police have confirmed that they are investigating an incident where a non-Muslim man was scolded and slapped while eating at a convenience store in a shopping mall during Ramadan.
Johor Baru North OCPD Asst Comm Balveer Singh said they detected a video on X showing a verbal altercation between two men at a business premises.
“A 21-year-old local man lodged a police report at 9.08pm on Sunday (March 16). Investigations revealed that the incident occurred at around 3.45pm that day at a shopping mall here.
“The victim alleged that he was slapped twice on the right cheek by an unknown man,” he said here on Monday (March 17).
ACP Balveer added that the dispute was believed to have started when the suspect asked about the complainant’s religion and requested to see his MyKad.
He said that when the victim refused, the situation escalated.
“The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt,” he added.
ACP Balveer also said that anyone with information on the incident should contact Johor Baru North police headquarters at 07-5563122.
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He also reminded the public to always abide by the law and act rationally to avoid resorting to violence.
Earlier, Bernama reported that Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the incident was an act of provocation that went against the spirit of unity and harmony in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
He added that such actions have no place in a country that upholds the principles of the Rukun Negara.
"I strongly condemn any form of violence, discrimination and prejudice that can threaten racial harmony.
"I urge all Malaysians to interact with one another in a civilised manner, always respect each other's culture and practice the values of understanding, respect and acceptance," he said on his X account when commenting on a post by another user known as @bingbinge656.
According to Aaron, the victim, identified as Elijah, lodged a report on the incident at the Tampoi police station.
"I was informed that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will investigate the case under Section 323 of the Penal Code. I hope that all parties will cooperate and leave the matter to PDRM to conduct the investigation," he said.
Meanwhile, Elijah claimed via a tweet that when the man scolded him, he explained that he was not a Muslim.
However, the man asked for his identity card as proof before allegedly slapping him.
Elijah then said the man's son came forward to calm the situation and apologise for his father's behaviour.
On Sunday, two videos lasting 32 and 44 seconds went viral on social media, depicting the alleged incident.
