Non-Muslim slapped for eating during Ramadan, unity minister sees red

Summary

• A non-Muslim man was seen being slapped by an older man in a viral video after a verbal altercation over eating in public during Ramadan.

• Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang confirms the victim has lodged a police report, describing the incident as a provocation that goes against the spirit of religious harmony.

• Police urge anyone with information on the case to contact the Johor Bahru Utara district police headquarters.

A non-Muslim man has lodged a police report after he was slapped in public for eating at a convenience store in the daytime during Ramadan, which was captured on video.

The incident drew the ire of National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang who confirmed that the victim, who identified himself on X as Elijah, had lodged a report at the Tampoi police station in Johor Bahru.

According to Elijah, he was having a meal at a convenience store when his attacker, an elderly man, confronted him.

“I was just eating normally and the uncle asked if I am Chinese or not. I said yes, because that’s a normal question.

“Then he wanted me to show my IC, even though we cannot just show our IC to strangers,” he said in a series of postings on X yesterday.

“After that, he asked me if I’m Muslim or non-Muslim, and he scolded me for eating (in public) during the fasting month, even though I am not Muslim and I did not disturb him.

“He even slapped me several times,” said the victim who shared two short videos of the incident which occurred inside a Johor Bahru mall.

Elijah added that the attacker’s son stepped in to apologise on the elderly man’s behalf, and while he accepted the apology, he said the case cannot be left unreported.

According to the minister, the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.

‘Provocation against unity spirit’

Aaron condemned any use of violence, acts of discrimination, and prejudice that could harm interethnic harmony.

“This incident is a provocation that does not reflect the spirit of unity and harmony in our multiracial country.

“Such actions must be stopped immediately and should not be allowed to take root in a nation that upholds the principles of the Rukun Negara,” he said in a statement.

The minister urged all to act appropriately and with respect.

“I hope that all Malaysians will be civil in their interactions with one another, always respecting each other’s cultures and practising the values of understanding, respect and acceptance,” Aaron added.

Similarly, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar condemned the alleged assailant’s act.

In a statement on Facebook, Na’im said the attack was against Islamic teachings, as the religion beseeches its worshippers to respect others, especially as part of a multiracial society.

“I call on all Muslims to practise patience, be open-minded, and resolve differences with wisdom and use the right channels,” he said.

In another post on X today, Elijah thanked Aaron for his statement, and reiterated his hope for harmony to prevail.

Meanwhile, Johor Bahru Utara district police chief Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh in a statement urged public members who have information on the case to come forward and assist their investigation.

He said the case happened inside a shopping mall in Johor Bahru at about 3.45pm on Sunday, where the complainant claimed he was slapped twice on the right cheek by a stranger.

“The police urges members of the public who have information about this case to contact the Johor Bahru Utara district police headquarters at 07-5563122.

“Act rationally and leave the matter to the authorities. Avoid violence and abide by the law,” Balveer said.

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