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A grocery store in Johor was met with controversy after putting up a sign at a food bank that discriminated against Indians
Photos of the sign and the grocery store have been making their rounds on social media.
The sign read, “Indians not allowed to take food aid for the time being.”
Image via Twitter
Image via Facebook
A video of the store managers being confronted by two Indian men has been circulating on platforms such as WhatsApp
In the viral clip, an Indian man wearing a blue T-shirt can be heard saying, “We received information from the public that there are free food items being given out but it is stated that it is not meant for Indians. It is only for Malays and others. None for Indians. Now we’re here to solve the problem.”
Image via Facebook
The man then signalled the person behind the camera to focus on a representative from the store. The representative explained, “We serve all members of the community without taking into account race or religion. That’s a stand we’ve taken all this while and before this, a lot of people have come to take items from the food bank. It has never been an issue.”
The person behind the camera then asked, “Then why did you write that Indians are not allowed?”
Image via Facebook
“There was a mistake there,” said another store manager.
“We had other issues but we apologise and we’ve removed it, so now anyone is allowed,” he added.
Image via Facebook
Following the incident, the Sultan of Johor has issued a statement urging folks to offer aid without discriminating against different races
In a post, the official page of the Sultan of Johor noted, “His Majesty the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has stressed that food aid for those in need must be done sincerely for all, not according to ethnic differences.”
“His Majesty said that in the current situation, all people have fallen on hard times and are facing unbearable difficulties, regardless of their race or religion,” the statement added.
They then quoted the Sultan saying, “If you want to help, please be sincere by helping anyone in need. Do not discriminate along ethnic lines.”
The post then confirmed that Sultan Ibrahim made the following comments in response to the particular incident involving the grocery store.
SULTAN JOHOR: BANTUAN PERLU DILAKUKAN SECARA IKHLAS DAN BUKAN MELIBATKAN ISU PERKAUMAN
DYMM Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim…
Posted by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on Sunday, July 25, 2021
Meanwhile, netizens also called out the grocery store for denying Indian people aid
One person wrote, “I’m sorry? If you really want to help, why does skin colour matter? Disgusting.”
Image via Twitter
Another netizen noted, “Pity Indian people. If you’re poor, then you’ll die.”
Image via Twitter
“Some people may have dark skin, others with dark hair, dark eyes and so on. Sadly, sometimes, some people have dark souls,” commented a Facebook user.
Image via Facebook