Vows not to repeat the act.
The corn seller at the centre of a controversy over a racially insensitive signboard has apologised to all Malaysians, particularly the Indian community, for his actions, according to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
In a post on X, Aaron stated that the trader had pledged not to repeat the act.
“Neighbourhood Watch (KRT) leaders, Encik Roseman and Encik Syawal, acted as mediators in resolving this issue.
“Their efforts have reinforced public confidence in KRT as an agent of unity and conflict resolution. This also underscores the importance of cooperation between community leaders and authorities in maintaining harmony and peace,” he said.
The apology was made at a restaurant in Sepang in the presence of representatives from the Indian community, influencers, local residents, officials from the National Unity and Integration Department, and the police.
Aaron stressed the need to ensure that words and actions do not create discomfort, tension, or misunderstanding among people of different religions, cultures, and ethnicities.
“Malaysia is a country rich in ethnic and religious diversity, and it is our shared responsibility to safeguard this harmony. National unity can only be achieved if every individual practises understanding, respect, and acceptance of differences,” he added.
The incident has drawn calls for legal action from opposing political figures.
DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng described it as a reality check highlighting the need for an anti-racial discrimination law, while Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh called for the seller to face punishment under existing laws.
In a statement, Lim argued that such a law should penalise the deliberate incitement of racial hatred and extremist acts based on race or background.
“An Anti-Racial Discrimination Act is necessary to stop extremist politicians or irresponsible individuals from indulging in hate speech, offensive signages, provocative acts, and lies that divide Malaysians by fomenting hatred or unfair treatment towards a particular community.
“The unfortunate incident in Sepang, where an ordinary trader refused to sell corn to Indians and used derogatory language, is extremely disturbing. It highlights how unhealthy and irrational racist sentiments have influenced certain segments of society,” Lim said yesterday evening.
The Bagan MP added that enforcement and punishment were necessary to address such incidents, warning that failure to act could undermine racial and religious harmony.
A viral video over the weekend showed a roadside stall in Kota Warisan, Sepang, displaying an offensive sign that read: “Sorry, ini jagung tiada jual sama orang keling” (Sorry, we don’t sell corn to the Indian community). The term “keling” is a derogatory slur against the Indian community.
The seller, Abdul Aziz Musa, apologised in a video released last night.
“As a small trader, I admit the poster contained offensive language. I was wrong, and I apologise to all Malaysians, especially Indians.
“I urge consumers to support sellers. This was unintentional, I did not expect it to happen. It was ignorant of me, and my actions were wrong.
“I ask Indians, Chinese, and Malays to forgive me,” he said.
Responding to the apology, Akmal said it was insufficient and that legal action should be taken.
“No matter who does it, the law must be enforced to serve as a lesson to others.
“If not, this culture of ‘act first, apologise later’ will become more prevalent, allowing such people to escape accountability!” he said.