JOHOR BAHRU - Malaysia police have taken a statement from [a man who had allegedly slapped a non-Muslim youth](https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-police-investigating-man-who-allegedly-slapped-non-muslim-for-eating-during-ramadan) at a convenience store in Johor Bahru during Ramadan.
Johor police chief M. Kumar said statements from the suspect and witnesses, including the suspect’s child, have been taken.
The suspect has also been sent to hospital for a medical examination.
“We will likely refer the investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor before this Friday.
“I have instructed that a doctor’s statement be recorded before the investigation papers are submitted,” Commissioner Kumar told reporters at the Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters on March 18.
He added that the suspect, a 65-year-old Malaysian, and the victim, also a local, were involved in an isolated incident.
“This is a rare occurrence in our country. Malaysia is known for its high level of tolerance among different races and religions. We respect one another,” he said.
Earlier, Johor Bharu North Officer Commanding Police Director Balveer Singh said a video shared on social media on March 16 showed a verbal altercation between the two men at the store.
“A 21-year-old man lodged a police report at 9.08pm on Sunday. Investigations revealed that the incident occurred at around 3.45pm.
“The victim alleged that he was slapped twice on the right cheek by an unknown man.
“The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt,” he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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