Johor Bahru police investigating man who allegedly slapped non-Muslim man for 'not fasting'

A 21-year-old non-Muslim man in Johor Bahru has made a police report after he was allegedly slapped in public for eating during the month of Ramadan, Malaysian media reported.

The incident was captured on video and shared by the man on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Slapped at a convenience store

According to the man, who identified himself as Elijah, the incident took place at a convenience store while he was eating.

Elijah said he was confronted by an elderly man who asked if he was Chinese.

When Elijah said yes, the man asked to see his MyKad (Malaysia's equivalent of the NRIC).

Afterwards the man asked if he was Muslim or non-Muslim, then became angry, scolded him and slapped him several times, Elijah claimed.

He added that the elderly man's son subsequently apologised on behalf of his father and that while he accepted the apology, he could not leave the incident unreported.

Malaysian minister condemns incident, confirms case is under investigation

The incident drew criticism from Malaysia's National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang.

"I strongly condemn any form of violence, discrimination, and prejudice that could harm racial harmony," he was quoted as saying, according to The New Straits Times.

He called for such actions to be stopped immediately and said, "This incident is a provocation that does not reflect the spirit of unity and harmony in our multiracial country."

The minister added:

"Issues concerning unity must not be taken lightly. We cannot allow any incidents that could undermine the harmony of the Malaysian people."

This nation will only progress if we stand united, respect one another, and live peacefully without any form of racial or religious tension."

Meanwhile, the police district chief of Johor Bahru (North), Assistant Commissioner Balveer Singh, confirmed that the incident is being investigated.

He also called for the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.

Elijah also put up two posts, one thanking the minister for his words, and another calling for the police investigation to take its course.

Top screenshots via @bingbinge656/X