[Watch] ‘Pakcik’ In Religious Garb Demands Chinese Youth’s ID During Ramadan Eating Incident
The victim’s account, shared widely online, described how a routine meal turned into an unnecessary confrontation.
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A routine meal at Family Mart in Angsana Mall, Johor Bahru, turned into a heated confrontation when an elderly man, presumably a Malay, confronted a young Chinese patron.
Despite having no legal authority to do so, he allegedly demanded to see the Chinese boy’s national identity card (MyKad) for eating during Ramadan fasting hours.
The incident, which has gained traction on social media, began when the elderly man approached the youth and asked if he was Chinese.
After receiving confirmation, he inexplicably demanded to see the young man’s MyKad.
When the Chinese youth refused—well within his rights—the situation reportedly turned physical, with the elderly man allegedly becoming aggressive.
Kes di Family Mart Angsana Mall, Johor Bahru:
— bingbingE656/Elijah 🇲🇾🍉 (@bingbinge656) March 16, 2025
Saya hanya makan secara biasa dan pak cik tu tanya saya orang Cina ke tak. Saya jawab ya sebab itu soalan biasa. Lepas tu dia nak saya tunjukkan IC saya walaupun kita tak boleh tunjuk IC kepada orang yang tidak dikenali.
(Bebenang) pic.twitter.com/qgnAOPLYH1
Ramadan Tensions: When Personal Faith Meets Public Space
Why should he have to show his IC? The uncle isn’t even police – wrote a social media user describing the incident.
The uncle got angry just because someone was eating during Ramadan. He’s Chinese—what’s the issue? The uncle even resorted to physical aggression, probably because he didn’t believe the young man was Chinese.
The incident has sparked debate about religious policing by civilians and highlights ongoing tensions during the fasting month.
As the social media post pointedly notes: “There are designated cafes and shops open for dining during this period. Fasting is about controlling your own hunger and thirst, not controlling others.”
This confrontation raises serious questions about civilian overreach and religious tolerance in Malaysia’s multicultural society, particularly during Ramadan.
setiap tahun melayu akan bergaduh supaya bangsa lain kena hormat melayu tengah berpuasa
— I'm from kodiang you know (@belialrising) March 11, 2024
Untuk melayu :
Puasa itu belajar menghormati, bukan minta dihormati.. pic.twitter.com/vY8qBreVrn
Public Outcry and Official Action: Minister Condemns Religious Harassment
Many criticised the elderly man’s actions as unreasonable and overstepping boundaries, while others questioned his presence in a food establishment during fasting hours.
Comments ranged from calls to involve the police, criticism of the uncle’s mental state, to more measured responses advocating for better mutual understanding, with one user pointedly asking why the elderly man was even inside a food establishment if he was so concerned about people eating during Ramadan.
The victim, identified as Elijah, has filed a police report at Tampoi Police Station.
Investigations are now proceeding under Section 323 of the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has condemned the incident.
This provocation does not reflect the unity and harmony of our multiracial nation,’ Minister Aaron stated, emphasizing that such discriminatory behavior must be immediately stopped. The incident, which occurred at a Family Mart outlet, began when the elderly man demanded to see the youth’s MyKad after confirming he was Chinese.
INSIDEN DI ANGSANA MALL
— Aaron Ago Dagang (@AaronAgoDagang) March 17, 2025
Mangsa yang bernama Elijah telah membuat laporan di Balai Polis Tampoi. Saya dimaklumkan bahawa pihak PDRM akan menyiasat kes ini di bawah Seksyen 323 Kanun Keseksaan. Saya berharap agar semua pihak memberi kerjasama dan menyerahkan sepenuhnya kepada PDRM… https://t.co/S9049h8qCz
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