Top diver Pandelela mistakenly identified as a Muslim during fasting month

KUALA LUMPUR – Being the country’s top diver does not exclude one from being mistakenly identified as a Muslim during the fasting month of Ramadan.

That is exactly what happened to two-time Olympic medallist Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg when the Malaysian athlete attempted to have high tea recently in Ipoh, Perak.

Pandelela, who hails from Sarawak, took to Facebook to share her awkward experience.

“First time in my life being asked if I’m a Malay trying to order high tea during fasting month,” she said.

Netizens questioned how the restaurant staff had failed to recognise the national diver in the comments section.

“That is funny because someone there did not recognise an international Malaysian diving sports diva from Jugan,” said user Kotien Saja.

Another user Susanna Suzi said: “Oh my God, they don’t know you? I guess they don’t watch sports.”

Pandelela, who is currently in Ipoh for a six-day training camp at the Tuanku Zara Aquatic Centre, will also be participating in a two-day competition at the venue on April 22 and 23 as part of the national squad’s final preparations for the upcoming Hanoi SEA Games.

The upcoming biennial event will see Pandelela pair up with 22-year-old Nur Dhabitah Sabri for the 10m synchronised platform event following the retirement of her former partner Datuk Leong Mun Yee. – The Vibes, April 21, 2022