KUALA LUMPUR – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called for calm and urged against inciting public sentiments, following the controversy that led to molotov cocktail attacks on two KK Mart convenience store outlets this week.
He said police are now on high alert to ensure the country’s public safety following attempts by certain parties to exploit religious, racial, and group sentiments for their own interests.
“Our concerns regarding the 3R issues (race, religion, and royalty) have been proven justified and reasonable, despite being questioned by some parties, and this incitement issue shows how easily the emotions and sentiments of the people are played by irresponsible individuals.
“The police view the attempted arson at KK Mart seriously, which is the second incident following the one at KK Mart Bidor, Perak, on March 26. The police will deploy all resources to maintain public order and harmony in the country.
“The incident of throwing a firebomb at the KK Mart in Sungai Isap, Kuantan, at 5am this morning has caused anxiety among the local residents and the general public as the Aidilfitri festivities draw near,” he said in a statement today.
Saifuddin said legal action has already been taken against individuals responsible for selling offending items with the word “Allah”, and the people should not be agitated with religious sentiments to the point of disrupting the harmony among the multiethnic population in the country.
“Legal action has been taken against the director and CEO of the KK Super Mart Group and the supplier of the items, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd. The supplier and seller have been charged in court.
“Confiscations have been made, and sales have been halted, and the director of KK Mart has apologised.
“However, this incident becomes perilous when there are parties taking advantage to stoke religious, racial, and group sentiments for their own interests,” he said.
Following this, Saifuddin urged the public not to commit any offences such as trespassing or attempting to burn down KK Mart premises, which could result in property damage and loss of life.
“Encouraging and endorsing a boycott of a brand may not be a legal offence, but it is clearly an offence when the public trespasses or attempts to set fire to KK Mart premises.
“The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will continue to take legal action in the interest of the public. I urge those advocating boycotts to take responsibility for calming down and halting the act of inciting public sentiments.
“Give space and full trust to the PDRM to carry out its duty of identifying, capturing, and investigating individuals involved. Let the legal process proceed for the sake of public safety and national harmony,” he said.
Earlier, a newly opened KK Mart in Sungai Isap, Kuantan, which had been operating for two weeks, was attacked with a molotov cocktail at 5.14am.
This incident marks the second attack on KK Mart following the issue involving the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”.
On March 26, the KK Mart on Jalan Bruseh, Bidor, was targeted with a petrol bomb at around 5.35am, but the attack did not result in a fire at the premises. – March 30, 2024