Police have recorded statements from suspect, witnesses over JB slapping incident

POLICE have questioned the man who allegedly slapped a non-Muslim for eating in public during the fasting month.

Johor police chief M Kumar said police recorded his statement yesterday.

"Police also recorded a statement from his son and witnesses, to help complete the investigation," he said as reported by Berita Harian.

“We recorded the complainant’s statement yesterday. He was also sent to the hospital for a medical examination,” he said Kumar, adding that police will also get a statement from the doctor before the investigation paper is referred to the deputy public prosecutor by Friday.

It was earlier reported that the non-Muslim man was slapped in Johor while eating in public during Ramadan.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang described it as a provocative act which did not reflect the spirit of unity and harmony in a multiracial country, said

He said such actions must be stopped immediately as they violate the principles of the Rukun Negara.

Earlier, an X user known as @bingbinge656, a young man, Elijah was allegedly asked to show his MyKad by the 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.

Two videos lasting 32 seconds and 44 seconds on the alleged incident have since gone viral on social media. – March 18, 2025