JOHOR BARU: Police have taken a statement from a person who allegedly slapped a non-Muslim youth at a convenience store in a shopping mall during Ramadan.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the man’s statement had been recorded, and the individual has been sent to hospital for a medical examination.
“Statements from the suspect and witnesses, including the suspect’s child, have also been taken.
“We will likely refer the investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor before this Friday.
“I have instructed that a doctor’s statement be recorded before the investigation papers are submitted,” he told reporters at the Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters yesterday.
Comm Kumar added that the suspect, a 65-year-old Malaysian, and the victim, also a local, were involved in an isolated incident.
“This is a rare occurrence in our country. Malaysia is known for its high level of tolerance among different races and religions. We respect one another,” he said.
Earlier, Johor Baru North OCPD Asst Comm Balveer Singh said the non-Muslim youth was scolded and slapped while eating at a convenience store during Ramadan.
He added that a video shared on social media on March 16 showed a verbal altercation between two men at the store.
“A 21-year-old man lodged a police report at 9.08pm on Sunday. Investigations revealed that the incident occurred at around 3.45pm.
“The victim alleged that he was slapped twice on the right cheek by an unknown man.
“The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt,” he added.
