Mutual Respect with Each Other:
Non-Muslim Man Slapped by An Elderly Man for Eating in Public
2 months ago, a 65-year-old man will be charged in the Johor Bahru magistrates’ court for allegedly slapping a non-Muslim man who was eating in public during Ramadan. According to police, the suspect will face charges under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a RM2,000 fine, or both.
The incident, which occurred at a convenience store in a Johor Bahru shopping mall, gained widespread attention after the victim posted about it on social media. He claimed the man questioned his ethnicity, demanded to see his MyKad, and slapped him multiple times when he refused.
Police confirmed that both the victim and several witnesses have given their statements, and a medical check-up was conducted. Although the suspect’s son later apologized on his father’s behalf, the victim proceeded with a police report, citing the seriousness of physical assault in a public space.
Living in a multicultural country means understanding and accepting these differences without resorting to aggression. This case highlights that physical violence is never an acceptable response to personal beliefs and that the law must protect everyone’s rights equally. Moreover, it touches on the broader concept of freedom of speech and expression.
The victim had every right to eat in public, and this choice reflects individual freedom that should be safeguarded, not punished. Freedom of expression does not give anyone the right to harm or intimidate others. As Malaysians, we must learn to balance our own values with the rights of those around us, promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in our everyday lives.
Things to Know
The man is being charged under Section 323 of the Malaysian Penal Code, which addresses the offense of voluntarily causing hurt. This section stipulates that anyone who intentionally causes harm to another person can face:
Imprisonment for up to one year,
A fine up to RM2,000,
Or both penalties.
This law applies to all individuals, regardless of the context or motivation behind the act.
A bonus info would also worth noting that Malaysia's legal framework includes other provisions to address more severe forms of harm:
Section 324: Addresses voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means, with penalties including imprisonment up to ten years, fines, or whipping.
Section 325: Pertains to voluntarily causing grievous hurt, punishable by imprisonment up to seven years and fines.
These laws collectively ensure that various degrees of physical harm are appropriately addressed within the legal system.
In summary, the legal proceedings in this case highlight the importance of respecting individual rights and maintaining public order through the enforcement of established laws.
Sources
- https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/03/19/man-who-slapped-non-muslim-to-be-re-charged-this-afternoon
- https://www.newpages.com.my/v2/en/company/729105/services/3921/22058/Penal-Code-Section-324%3A-Voluntarily-causing-hurt-by-dangerous-weapons-or-means.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- https://www.easylaw.com.my/statutes/general-litigation/penal-code?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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