PETALING JAYA: Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah has warned that racial tensions will escalate unless immediate action is taken against those responsible for throwing a petrol bomb at a KK Mart store in Bidor, Perak.
KK Mart has been mired in controversy since March 13 after mistakenly selling socks bearing the word “Allah”, earning the ire of Muslims and sparking calls for a boycott by Umno Youth.
On Tuesday evening, Perak police said CCTV footage from a KK Mart store in Bidor recorded a man alighting from a vehicle and throwing what appeared to be a glass bottle containing kerosene into the shop, with the police still working to track the suspect down. The Molotov cocktail failed to explode.
“His Highness has described this incident as a worrying sign. This incident requires serious attention, and firm action should be taken immediately to contain the spread of racial tensions,” said Perak palace spokesman Zahidi Zainuddin in a statement.
“His Highness believes that the majority of Malaysians are rational, moderate and prioritise harmonious relationships and peace.
“Malaysians of all races and religions will be protected equally so that they can continue to live in peace and harmony, together building and developing a safe and prosperous Malaysia.”
Perak police chief Yusri Hassan Basri previously said police were tracking down the suspect in the Bidor case, which is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief by causing damage.
The section provides for a jail term of not less than a year and not more than five years, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
On Wednesday, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim also urged all parties to stop taking advantage of the socks controversy and called on Malaysians to work towards bolstering national unity.
Stating that the matter should be left to the authorities, he said “persistent anger brings no benefit”.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain has also issued a stern warning against any further exacerbation of the issue.
Razarudin said investigations into the matter have concluded, with the perpetrators brought to court.
“I advise against playing up such issues. It will only bring anxiety and unrest, which is not desirable.”
On another matter, Zahidi said the Perak palace had been notified about a racially tinged statement that was issued based on a speech that Sultan Nazrin made in 2005 when he was the Perak crown prince.
Stating that the speech had been taken out of context, Zahidi said a police report had been lodged on the matter.
“It is believed that there are parties now who are encouraging racial and religious tensions … by linking (their statements) to a speech Sultan Nazrin made in 2005,” said Zahidi.
“Sultan Nazrin is concerned about such unethical acts as they can affect public peace in Malaysia.”
