THE Molotov cocktail attack against a KK Mart outlet in Kuching has harmed Sarawak's image and must be severely dealt with, PKR said.
Sarawak PKR deputy chief Senator Abun Sui Anyit said such extremist acts must be nipped in the bud before they spread.
Sui, who is also the state Pakatan Harapan information chief, said the KK mart incident has hurt Sarawak’s reputation as a model state for harmony and peace.
"We are shocked that such an incident happened on Sarawak soil. This attack against KK Mart (along Jalan Satok) in Kuching must not be allowed to spread in this state renowned as peaceful and racially united,” he said.
"Those responsible for the attack must be arrested and dealt with severely, whether they are Sarawakians or outsiders. This attack has harmed Sarawak's image," he said in a statement.
Dapsy, the youth wing of DAP, also condemned the latest attack, with its chief Dr Kelvin Yii describing the situation as outrageous and one that was getting out of hand.
"I call for calm and tolerance about this whole situation. We as Sarawakians must stand up against such acts of hate and not let this be normalised in our country,” said Yii.
"Of all places, we did not expect this to happen in Kuching, Sarawak, which is supposedly known as the city of unity, a place where for years we have learnt to live harmoniously regardless of our race, religion or background.”
Yi said the recent incident was proof that national unity is fragile and needs to be protected.
"We must stem this before it spreads further and anyone who continues to instigate and spread hate must face the full scale of the law.
"We cannot take this lightly and all parties must make a deliberate attempt to de-escalate the situation and spread understanding and respect.”
Kuching police chief Ahsmon Bajah has since confirmed that a report was lodged over the incident by a 25-year-old store worker, who reported that a petrol bomb caused boxes of drinks outside the store to catch fire.
He said the case is filed under Section 435 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage.
“The section provides for imprisonment of up to seven years or a fine or both, upon conviction,” said Ahsmon.
Those with information on the incident are asked to call investigating officer Ceremona Nasim at 013-8554168 or go to the nearest police station. – The Vibes, April 2, 2024.
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