A 21-year-old non-Muslim man, Elijah, found himself at the center of an unsettling incident at Family Mart in Angsana Mall, Johor Bahru, when an elderly man (uncle) confronted him for eating during Ramadan.
Elijah shared his experience in a viral post on X, detailing how the situation escalated unexpectedly inside a convenience store.
According to Elijah, the man approached him and asked if he was Muslim. When Elijah clarified that he was not, the man insisted that he prove it by showing his identification card (IC).
Argument Escalates into Physical Assault
Uncomfortable with the demand, Elijah refused to show his Identity Card (IC) due to privacy concerns. What started as a tense exchange quickly turned physical when the man allegedly slapped Elijah.
A video posted by Elijah captured the man striking him once, but he claimed he had been hit multiple times.
The man’s son, who was present at the scene, attempted to diffuse the situation and later apologized to Elijah on his father’s behalf.
Although Elijah accepted the apology, he maintained that he could not simply brush off the incident and proceeded to lodge a police report.
Minister Calls for Unity and Respect
Malaysia’s Minister of National Unity, Aaron Ago Dagang, responded to the incident, confirming that a police report had been filed at Tampoi Police Station.
He condemned the act, emphasizing that such provocations go against Malaysia’s values of unity and respect.
He pointed out the need to preserve harmony in Malaysia’s multicultural society, warning that incidents like this could create unnecessary divisions. He also stressed that the country can only move forward when people support one another, treat each other with respect, and live peacefully without racial or religious conflicts.
To further support Elijah, the minister directed the Johor State Department of National Unity and Integration to reach out to him.
Police Investigation and Upcoming Court Charges
The Johor police confirmed that they are investigating the case under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which deals with voluntarily causing hurt.
In a recent development, Johor police chief M Kumar confirmed that the police recorded statements from the suspect, his son, and several other witnesses to complete their investigation.
Elijah was also sent to the hospital for a medical examination.
Johor Bahru North police chief Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh announced that the 65-year-old suspect would be charged in the Johor Bahru magistrates’ court under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.
He could face up to two years imprisonment, an RM2,000 (approx. S$599.88) fine, or both if convicted.
Authorities have urged the public to practice mutual respect and report any incidents that could disrupt Malaysia’s harmony.
Watch the video here:
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