Corn vendor in racial slur incident fined, wife imprisoned for invalid documents

THE corn vendor who created a stir when he used a racial slur against the Indian community was fined RM400 by the Sepang magistrate's court today.

He was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code which makes it an offence for anyone to publish or circulate any statement, rumour or report with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the state or against public tranquillity.

His wife, an Indonesian was sentenced to three months in jail for not possessing valid travel documents.

She was convicted under Section  6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

The couple earlier pleaded guilty to the charges against them.

On Feb 17, the man, 64 was arrested and released on police bail, while his wife, 52, was remanded under the Immigration Act.

The corn vendor had earlier sparked controversy when he displayed a racially charged sign.

He later apologised, especially to the Indian community, for his actions that could disrupt national harmony.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang reiterated the importance of being mindful of the impact of our words and actions on others, particularly in a country as diverse as Malaysia, where different religions, cultures, and ethnicities coexist.

 He emphasised that ensuring mutual respect and understanding is crucial to preventing misunderstandings and fostering social cohesion. – February 21, 2025