2 days ago
KOL chef's claim of Muslims dining in Chinese eatery inhaling 'joss stock aroma' slammed
EVERYONE'S got an opinion but not every opinion should be publicised.
This seems to be the gist of the majority of feedback accompanying a post by chef Amin Sukor on the Malaysia Hari Ini Facebook page.
A key opinion leader (KOL) in Malaysia's culinary scene, Amin had highlighted the presence of a Chinese altar at a kopitiam with several tables occupied by Muslim diners (apparent from some tudung-clad diners).
He went on to wonder if it was normal for Muslim diners to be feasting on curry mee, char koay teow and other delicacies while accompanied by wafting smoke from the incense sticks.
Perhaps that provided them with a sense of calm, he surmised.
The post has thus far generated 1.6K likes, 1.8K comments and a further 282 shares which denote that many commenters were keen to share their two sen on the subject.
For starters, many admonished the administrator of the page for posting what was perceived to be irresponsible and harmful views. One commenter stated he was thankful that he and his kin are not swayed by such inflammatory posts.
Although it the venue was unidentified, it was highlighted that such scenes were normal in Sabah and Sarawak.
In those Bornean states, Muslim diners had no problem sharing their dining tables with other races nor eating in non-Muslim owned establishments.
The poster was also called out for his hypocrisy. Why no similar posts on rampant corruption and high number of rape cases alongside incidences of close proximity?
It was claimed that this scene was in a coffee shop in Penang; though the owner was Chinese, the clientele was multi-racial. The commenter claimed it was proof that Malaysians can live happily and harmoniously.
One commenter argued that there was no issue whatsoever given that the altar was a representation of the owner's faith, not that of the customers. The customers had come to enjoy the food and drink, not to worship or do anything else.
Why find things to quarrel about, asked one commenter. An attitude of mutual respect is required when different beliefs are held. There was no need to insult others which the commenter insinuated that the poster was doing.
In an age when 3R (race, royalty and religion) matters are continuously fanned by self-serving politicians and their cybertroopers, it is worth remembering that Malaysia is a melting pot society.
Whether one believes that Muslims should or should NOT be dining in such establishments does not excuse such social media posts that are designed to cause dissension and disharmony.
Perhaps the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) may want to look into this and stop the spread of such ill-intentioned content. – July 11, 2025
