Malaysian ministers condemn attack on non-Muslim during Ramadan

Malaysian ministers have condemned a recent incident in Johor Bahru where a non-Muslim man was reportedly slapped for eating in public during Ramadan. The confrontation took place in a shopping mall, and the incident has gained significant attention on social media. National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang called the act "provocative" and against the spirit of Malaysia's multicultural society. He emphasized the need for harmony and condemned any form of violence. Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar stated that such actions do not represent the true teachings of Islam. Both ministers urged respect and tolerance among different communities. The victim, identified as Elijah, shared his experience on social media, detailing how he was slapped multiple times after he refused to show his identity card. He stated that he was eating quietly and not disturbing anyone. Following the incident, Elijah filed a police report, and authorities are now investigating the issue under the Penal Code. The police confirmed that they are looking into the matter after Elijah reported that he was assaulted by an elderly man. The elder man had confronted him about eating during the fasting month. Reports indicate that the incident occurred around 3:45 PM at Angsana Mall. In a separate issue, the local Islamic Religious Department recently conducted inspections in Melaka, resulting in the arrests of eight men for not fasting in public during Ramadan. Similar laws regarding fasting vary across Malaysia's states, with different penalties for violations.