Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has urged Malays to shun Chinese businesses to compel them to lower prices.

Ismail Sabri had made the comment through his Facebook page, but the post is not accessible publicly.

However, the post has been screencaptured and is in heavy circulation among pro-Umno blogs and social media, with many expressing support for the minister.

The Malaysian Insider reports that the minister has confirmed authoring the Facebook post.

In his post, Ismail Sabri said consumers are the ones who wield the power to compel businesses to lower prices, although the government has legal mechanisms to prevent profiteering.

"The majority of consumers are Malays. The Chinese are the minority. If the Malays boycott their businesses, they will have no choice but to reduce prices," wrote Ismail Sabri.

Ismail Sabri also accused Chinese businesses of having suspect halal certifications, yet Malays are still patronising such establishments.

"Just look at Old Town White Coffee... They are suspicious... but still Malays are not boycotting (the company). Moreover, the company is owned by the Ngeh family (of) Perak DAP, which are anti-Islam.

"As long as Malays don't change, the Chinese will take advantage and oppress the Malays," he stressed.

It is believed that Ismail Sabri is referring to DAP's Sitiawan assemblyperson Ngeh Khoo Ham.

When contacted, Ngeh denied an interest in Old Town White Coffee and said he will issue a press release later.

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