A Singaporean man was arrested by the M’sia police after allegedly urinating at the prayer ablution area at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
A video of the incident was shared on Facebook by a netizen, who described the man’s urination as being rude because that area is where Muslims perform ablution and cleanse themselves before praying.
If convicted of his offences, the man faces a jail term of up to 2 years and/or a fine.
According to The New Straits Times, the man seen in the video ringing against the wall in the washing area was identified as a 69-year-old Singaporean man.
The area where the man was urinating act is meant for Wudhu, where Muslims wash themselves before prayer and it can also be considered a form of worship in itself, according to Muslim SG.
After being caught urinating there, the man who recorded him told him off for not having any respect for the area, and the man then exclaimed that he was sorry before the video then abruptly cuts off and ends.
Johor Chief Minister responds
The Facebook post called the man out for his insensitive behaviour and said that “Singaporeans are getting ruder,” and later that day, it appeared the post had even caught the attention of the Johor chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Hafiz commented on the post and shared that the man has since been detained by the Malaysian police under Section 295 of the Malaysian Penal Code, which is the defiling of a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class.
The man tested negative for drugs but did have a prior criminal record against his name.
According to The Star, the JB CIQ complex will also be putting up clearer signs for public toilets soon, with the chairman of the state works, transportation, and infrastructure committee, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, saying that it would help those who need to relieve themselves greatly.