JOHOR BAHRU — A non-Muslim man who was scolded and slapped at a convenience store purportedly for eating during Ramadan has lodged a report over the incident, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
The minister said the victim, identified as Elijah, lodged the report 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,” Bernama reported the minister saying.
Meanwhile, Johor Bahru Utara district police chief ACP Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh confirmed the police report by a 21-year-old complainan which was lodged at 9.08 pm yesterday.
He said the incident occurred at 3.45 pm yesterday where the complainant alleged that he was slapped twice on the right cheek by an unknown man.
“The incident is believed to have taken place when the man asked about the complainant’s religion and requested to see his MyKad, but the complainant refused to give the card,” he said in a statement today.
The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for intentionally causing injury, and if found guilty, the offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to one year or fined up to RM2,000 or both.
The incident was captured in two videos that were posted on social media yesterday.
The clips show a man confronting the victim in a Family Mart outlet, asking to see the latter’s identity card to determine his race, to which the victim refuses.
Elijah, in a tweet on the X account @bingbinge656, claimed that when the man scolded him, he explained that he was not a Muslim. He also said he was eating “normally” and had not disturbed the man.
However, the man asked for his identity card as proof before slapping him.
Elijah said the man’s son came forward to calm the situation and apologise for his father’s behaviour.
Aaron, meanwhile, said the incident was an act of provocation that went against the spirit of unity and harmony in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
He said that such actions have no place in a country that upholds the principles of 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,” the minister said on his X account today when commenting on Elijah’s post.
He said issues affecting national unity must not be taken lightly, as any incident that threatens Malaysia’s harmony should not be tolerated.
“This country will only progress if we are united, respect each other and live in peace without any racial or religious tension,” Aaron said. – March 17, 2025