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AN incident of a man being slapped in Johor while eating in public during Ramadan is a provocative act and does not reflect the spirit of unity and harmony in a multiracial country, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
He said such actions must be stopped immediately as they violate the principles of the Rukun Negara.
"I also strongly condemn any form of violence, discrimination, and prejudice that could harm racial harmony.
"I hope that all Malaysians will be mindful in their interactions with one another, always respecting each other's cultures and upholding the values of respect, acceptance and understanding," he said in a statement in today.
He was commenting on a post by an X user known as @bingbinge656.
In the post, a young man, Elijah was allegedly asked to show his MyKad by a man who approached him while he was eating.
Elijah refused and the man then asked him if he was a Muslim and was angry that he was eating during Ramadan.
"I stressed that I was not a Muslim and despite that he hit me several times," he said.
Elijah said the man's son then stepped in and de-escalated the situation and also apologised for his father's actions.
Netizens, who were enraged by the incident urged Elijah to lodge a police report over the incident.
"Issues affecting national unity must not be taken lightly, as any incident that threatens Malaysia’s harmony should not be tolerated.
“This country will only progress if we are united, respect each other and live in peace without any racial or religious tension,” said Aaron.
According to Aaron, the victim, has since lodged a report regarding the incident at the Tampoi Police Station.
“I was informed that the police will investigate the case under Section 323 of the Penal Code. I hope that all parties will cooperate and leave the matter to PDRM to conduct the investigation, “ he said.
Two videos lasting 32 seconds and 44 seconds on the alleged incident have since gone viral on social media. – March 17, 2025
