Police Arrest Malaysian Street Vendor for 'Racial Slur' Sign at Stall

A corn vendor in Sepang, Malaysia, who sparked outrage over a sign containing a racial slur, has been arrested following a police investigation.

The vendor and his Indonesian wife were taken into custody after the incident gained widespread attention online.

Incident Sparked Outrage After Viral Video

Earlier, a controversy erupted when a passerby spotted the offensive sign and posted it online, triggering a public backlash. The sign read: “Sorry, we don’t sell this corn to k*ling,” a derogatory term used against the Indian community.

According to the video, the woman who confronted the vendor said she approached him to explain that the sign was offensive and requested removal.

However, the vendor allegedly responded aggressively, pointing his finger at her until it touched her nose and then recording her as she walked away.

Indian Youth Group Condemned the Act

Following the video’s circulation, the Malaysian Tamil Bell Youth Club condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation by local authorities.

In a statement cited by Free Malaysia Today (FMT), the youth group stressed the importance of educating the public on unity and tolerance to prevent such incidents.

“We also call for counseling and awareness measures to be provided to the vendor involved to ensure such incidents do not recur,” the group said.

Cabinet Minister Speaks Out

Additionally, the incident drew criticism from the Malaysian Cabinet minister.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad reminded Malaysians of the country’s long-standing commitment to diversity and mutual respect.

Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Courtesy of Focus Malaysia

“The act of using derogatory terms to label any ethnic group is not only inappropriate but also harmful,” Nik Nazmi said, according to The Star.

He stressed that such actions could tarnish community relations and misrepresent societal values.

Vendor Issued Public Apology

Following these, in a video shared on TikTok, the vendor, identified as Abdul, admitted his mistake and apologized for the offensive sign that was displayed at his stall.

“I admit that it was my fault, and I apologize to all Malaysians, especially to all Indians in Malaysia,” Abdul said.

He insisted that he had no intention of offending anyone and expressed hope for continued support for his small business.

The apology was made during a meeting organized by local community leaders to address the incident and promote unity.

UMNO Youth Chief Demanded Legal Action

However, despite the public apology by the vendor, UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh went a step further, arguing that an apology was insufficient and that legal action should be taken.

UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh. Photo courtesy of DAP Malaysia

“I ask that actions like this, which insult different races, be dealt with through legal action and not just end with an apology,” Dr Akmal said in his Facebook post.

He warned that tolerating such behavior might embolden others to repeat similar acts.

Police Investigate and Arrest the Vendor

In a recent development, authorities launched an investigation under the Sedition Act, Communications and Multimedia Act, and the Penal Code, NST reported.

The vendor, a man in his 60s, and his Indonesian wife were arrested.

While the vendor has since been released on police bail, his wife remains in custody after authorities discovered she had overstayed her permitted time in Malaysia under the Immigration Act.

Police have also recorded statements from seven witnesses as part of their ongoing investigation.

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*Part 1*- Isu Peniaga Jagung-Mengunakan Poster Perkataan “Keling”. Pihak PDRM IPD Sepang, Jabatan Perpaduan, Persatuan Penduduk Kota Warisan serta rakan rakan kami dari BBST telah berkerjasama untuk memantau isu ini. Pakcik peniaga jagung telah menghadirkan diri hari ini. Beliau secara rendah diri telah meminta maaf dari seluruh kaum India di Malaysia serta seluruh rakyat Malaysia. Beliau menyesal menggunakan perkataan demikian dan memang bukan niat beliau untuk menjatuhkan atau menghina kaum India. Justeru itu, beliau memang menyesal diatas perkataan yang diujarkan. Beliau telah menyatakan bahawa, selepas ini, beliau tidak akan menggunakan poster tersebut dan meminta maaf serta menyeru semua rakyat jelata untuk menyokong perniagaan beliau. Justeru itu, kami selaku Kaum India daripada BBST menyeru semua rakyat kaum India di Malaysia untuk memaafkan Pakcik Abdul Aziz dan menamatkan Isu viral ini. Sekian Terima Kasih, Salam Satu Malaysia. “Kusut diselesaikan, Keruh diperjenih”. “Bulat air kerana pembetung, Bulat manusia kerana muafakat”.

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