Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob has called for firm action against anyone circulating issues of a racial nature on social media, saying this will serve as a lesson for all.

He said the country had various laws under which action could be taken against the culprits, but they must be enforced strictly.

"This matter must be curbed from the root. If there is a spark, do not let the spark become a bush fire or you will have to do the fire-fighting later, which is difficult.

"We have the laws, and we must strictly enforce them. People will not have any fear if we are not firm," he told reporters at the Aidilfitri open house of the Pahang menteri besar at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Silver Jubilee Hall in Kuantan yesterday.

Adnan said the people should not jump to conclusions and make any incident a racial issue, such as the brawl last weekend over a mobile telephone theft at the Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur that was blown up on social media as a racial clash.

"This is bad. We hope everyone understands that we must have understanding and solidarity. We have no other country to go to. Malaysia is one of the best countries to live in," he said.

He said cases such as the Low Yat Plaza incident should be left to the police to handle in a professional and fair manner.

- Bernama