ISKANDAR PUTERI — Police yesterday recorded the statement of a 65-year-old man suspected of slapping a non-Muslim individual at a convenience store in a shopping mall.
Johor police chief Datuk M Kumar said statements were also taken from several witnesses, including the suspect’s son.
“The investigation paper is expected to be referred to the deputy public prosecutor before Friday. The victim has also undergone a medical examination, and the doctor’s statement will be recorded.
“This incident is an isolated case and does not reflect the norm in our country, as Malaysia strongly upholds the values of tolerance and harmony,” he told a press conference at the Iskandar Puteri District Police Headquarters today.
He also urged the public to refrain from speculation, as the case is still under investigation.
Kumar reminded the public not to resort to vigilante actions, emphasising that law enforcement authorities are responsible for handling such matters.
“If any issues arise, the public should report them to the authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands,” he added.
Yesterday, Johor Bahru North police chief ACP Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh said police received a report from the 21-year-old complainant at 9:08 pm on Sunday.
In the incident which took place at 3.45pm the same day, the complainant was eating when an unknown man allegedly slapped him twice after questioning his religion and asking for his MyKad as proof.
The incident was captured in two videos that were posted on social media yesterday, and shows the confrontation taking place in a Family Mart outlet.
The complainant, identified as Elijah using the X account @bingbinge656, said that he had explained to the elderly man that he was not a Muslim. However, the man persisted in asking him for his identity card and slapped him when he refused to hand it over.
Elijah said although the man’s son who was present had apologised for his father’s behaviour, he could not let the man get away with slapping him.
The incident has been condemned by National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang as a provocative act that goes against the spirit of unity and harmony in Malaysia’s multiracial society. – March 18, 2025