The incident, which took place at a popular in Johor Bahru, has reignited discussions on racial harmony and mutual respect in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
SHAH ALAM - A viral video showing an elderly man slapping a teenager for eating during Ramadan has triggered widespread condemnation, with many calling for legal action.
The incident, which took place at a popular in Johor Bahru, has reignited discussions on racial harmony and mutual respect in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
Before Ramadan, controversy surrounded three local radio announcers who mocked Thaipusam traditions, sparking nationwide debate.
Now, halfway through the holy month—a time when Muslims are encouraged to practice patience and restraint—Malaysia is once again confronted with a disturbing act of intolerance.
While the nation takes pride in its diversity, living harmoniously for decades, incidents like these expose a growing fragility in racial and religious tolerance.
A Shocking Incident
The controversy began when a young man, known as Elijah (@bingbinge656) on X, shared his distressing experience at the mall.
According to Elijah, he was eating at a convenience store when an elderly man approached and questioned his race.
"I was just eating normally when he asked if I was Chinese. I answered yes because it was a common question," Elijah wrote.
The situation quickly escalated when the man demanded to see Elijah’s identification card (IC). Knowing he was not obligated to comply, Elijah refused.
"He then asked if I was Muslim and got angry about why I was eating during Ramadan.
"I am not Muslim and was not disturbing anyone, but he ended up slapping me several times," he recounted.
Despite the aggression, the man’s son intervened and apologised on his father’s behalf.
"I can accept the apology, but I cannot just let this go. That man disrespected me and slapped me in public," Elijah said.
He later uploaded two videos of the incident, which have since gone viral with over 3.2 million views.
Public Outrage and Calls for Action
The video triggered an immediate backlash, with many condemning the attack as discriminatory and damaging to Malaysia’s multicultural harmony.
Netizens flooded social media, tagging the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and government officials, urging strict action.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang also weighed in, calling the act "a form of provocation and prejudice that could damage racial harmony."
Elijah has since lodged a police report at the Tampoi Police Station.
Authorities are investigating the case under Section 323 of the Penal Code for causing injury.
"Such actions must not be allowed to spread in a country that upholds the principles of the Rukun Negara.
"I strongly condemn any form of violence, discrimination, and prejudice that threatens unity.
"We cannot take matters of racial harmony lightly. This country will only progress if we remain united, respect one another and live peacefully without racial or religious tensions," Aaron said in a statement.
Muslims Condemn the Attack
Many Muslims have also denounced the act, stating that it does not reflect Islamic teachings.
Twitter user @ahmaadsafuan expressed disappointment: "I’m sorry that a fellow Muslim did this to you. This behaviour is unacceptable, especially during Ramadan. Just to clarify, this is not what Islam teaches—he should have controlled himself better."
Similarly, @lukmandinson reassured Elijah: "On behalf of this old man, we apologise. Since when is public eating prohibited? Fasting is our obligation, not yours. You owe us nothing."
Others questioned the elderly man’s logic, with @chanshoesinsole asking, "Why would he go to the convenience store, where people eat during Ramadan and then scold non-Muslims for eating? Pretty sure Islamic rules only apply to Muslims."
User @PakShamsul called for justice: "I apologise for what you went through. This behaviour is unacceptable and does not reflect Islam’s teachings. May this be a lesson for those who think such actions are justified."
A Wake-Up Call for Malaysia
Malaysia has long been celebrated for its racial and religious diversity, but incidents like these serve as a reminder that unity must be actively maintained.
Tolerance and mutual respect cannot be taken for granted.
Elijah, despite being the victim, hopes this incident will remind Malaysians of the importance of harmony.
"I hope our country remains harmonious and that we all respect one another, regardless of race and religion," he said.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
