KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the police will be out in full force to maintain a firm grip on public order in Malaysia after another firebombing incident, this time at the KK Mart Sungai Isap branch in Kuantan at 5am today.
The authorities take a serious view of another attempt to set fire to KK Mart convenience stores, the second such instance after a similar incident at the KK Mart in Bidor, Perak, on Tuesday (March 26).
Citing the recent 'Allah' socks controversy, he said legal action has already been taken against KK Super Mart Group's director and executive chairman, as well as the socks' supplying company Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd.
"The suppliers and seller have already been charged in court. However, this incident becomes dangerous when there are opportunistic parties blowing up religious and racial sentiments for vested interest," Saifuddin said.
He added that such incidents caused anxiety among local residents and the general public ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
"The people's concern is whether these irresponsible parties will take advantage of the public sentiment that is building up for Aidilfitri by throwing firebombs at KK Mart.
"It has been proven that our concerns regarding the 3R issue (religion, royalty, race) are well-founded and reasonable even though some parties dispute them, and this socks issue shows how easily irresponsible circles fan the emotions and sentiments of the people," Saifuddin said.
Although urging and badgering the public to boycott a brand may not be a legal offence, it becomes an act of provocation when certain quarters trespass or try to burn KK Mart's premises.
In that regard, the minister said the act of throwing firebombs could result in the destruction of property as well as loss of life, and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will still take legal action in the interest of the public.
"I urge those who encourage this boycott to take responsibility and back off and stop the act of flaming people's sentiments.
"Give PDRM full space and trust to carry out the task of detecting, arresting and investigating the individuals involved. Let the legal process proceed for the sake of peace and the safety of the people and Malaysia," he said.
— Bernama
