[UPDATED] Netizens fume after clip of man in baju melayu defacing kolam goes viral

KUALA LUMPUR – Footage of an individual defacing a Deepavali kolam (rangoli) at a local private hospital has gone viral on social media, drawing stinging criticism from netizens.

The video, uploaded today by a Twitter user named Indrren, shows the baju melayu-clad man trodding over the religious artwork and ruining its intricate lines and patterns.

At one point in the half-a-minute clip, the man is seen drawing a letter “S” over the design, as a female companion laughs while recording him on camera, saying that he was committing vandalism.

It was unclear when the incident took place although the Deepavali festival was celebrated on Monday.

However, a logo visible on a backdrop seen in the video indicates that it took place in a renowned private health facility.

At press time, the video has garnered more than 4,000 retweets and dozens of comments condemning the “disrespectful” act.

A Twitter user named Rishi. S said it takes many hours to make a kolam and that the man’s actions had insulted its creators.  

“You know how hard it is, how tedious the process is to make a kolam, especially that beautiful. It takes days and you (are) vandalising it, (showing) no mercy to those who did it.

“Don’t talk about respecting culture when you don’t even have the basic courtesy to understand someone else’s effort.”

You know how hard it is, how tedious the process is to make a ‘kolam’ especially that beautiful. It take days & you vandalising it, shows no mercy to those who did it. Dont talk about respecting culture when you dont even have basic courtesy to understand someone else’s effort

— Rishi. S (@webarebears001) October 30, 2022

Another user, who goes by the name Hashim Zulkifli, said the perpetrator has no religion as he did not respect the beliefs of others.

“To me it’s simple. Religion teaches respect. He does not respect the beliefs of others, meaning he does not have a religion.

“Only those who are crazy and belligerent do not know how to respect others.”

Another user by the name of Demon Birder of Hoot St, said there is no place for this kind of “racist, hateful behaviour” in Malaysia.

“(It’s an) embarrassment to Malaysia and especially Malays. Does not deserve to wear our baju (melayu).”

Other users such as Syaful Mohamed gave the benefit of the doubt to the man in the video, as the act could have taken place while the building management was removing the decoration, but said recording the defacement was wrong.

“Most of the art is in (a) public place – should be barricaded (because they) don’t want kids to ruin it. Maybe the art was due to be removed and he’s waiting for the cleaner to come?

“(The) decision to record his act playing with it is definitely a wrong move that can lead to speculation.”

Meanwhile, the KPJ Klang private hospital said it was informed that one of its staff members was allegedly involved in the “unprofessional behaviour” shown in the video.

In a statement, it said it does not condone any act of disrespect among its staff within hospital grounds.

It said it has launched an internal investigation into the video and will take stern action if one of its staff is involved.

“KPJ is committed to the highest level of professionalism and we do not compromise on ethical values,” it said.

“Any further updates will be communicated through our official channels.”

In a statement, police said they had received reports on the video, which was initially posted on TikTok.

Klang Utara police chief Vijaya Rao Samachulu said the Bandar Baru Klang police station chief had filed the report and that an investigation has been opened into the case.

The case, he said, is being probed under Section 298A of the Penal Code, which deals with “causing disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion”.

If convicted, the offence is punishable with a minimum of two years’ prison or a duration not exceeding five years.

“The suspect in the case will be called in to provide a statement at the Klang Utara (police district headquarters),” said Vijaya.

“Police advise the public to be cautious in any action or behaviour that could affect the nation’s harmony.” – The Vibes, October 30, 2022