Penang Restaurant In Hot Water After Communist-Themed Decor Pics Go Viral
The walls and furniture of the restaurants were covered in Communist-themed elements, including the face of Chinese Communist leader Mao Tze Tong.
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The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is investigating a restauranteur in Penang for decorating his two outlets, one in Pulau Tikus and another in Auto City, Juru, with wallpaper bearing communist-themed elements, including the face of Chinese Communist leader Mao Tze Tong.
According to several local news outlets, a social media post with pictures of the restaurants was shared online on Saturday (2 January).
The post went viral, with several comments criticising the restaurant and its owner, and demanding that strict action be taken against him. Some also called for his citizenship to be stripped.
READ MORE: The History of Chin Peng, Malayan Communist Leader
Communist-themed wallpaper and stickers covered the walls and furniture of the restaurant
New Straits Times reported that the Penang State Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Rahimi Ra’ais said the police began investigating the matter after they received information from the public.
He said preliminary inquiries found that the restaurant was owned by a 40-year-old man. However, the police have yet to question the man as he is currently undergoing a Covid-19 quarantine order for 14 days.
We have opened an investigation paper for both cases, one here, and another in the Seberang Prai Tengah district. We have yet to call the 40-year-old restaurant owner in for questioning since he is under Covid-19 quarantine.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Rahimi Ra’ais, Penang State Criminal Investigation Department chief via New Straits Times
The police have reportedly already removed the wallpaper from the restaurants.
PDRM tanggalkan gambar & simbol komunis di dinding sebuah restoran di Pulau Pinang. pic.twitter.com/HFBWbAZRUv
— MyWatch (@My_CrimeWatch) January 2, 2021
Rahimi said the case is being investigated under Section 47 of the Societies Act 1966 for publishing propaganda of an unlawful society and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for making, publishing or circulating any statement, rumour or report which can cause fear or alarm to the public.
Under Section 47 of the Societies Act 1966, those found guilty of this offence face imprisonment of up to two years or fined up to RM5000. Meanwhile, those found guilty of Section 505(b) of the Penal Code shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.
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