About a year ago, two men were seen urinating under a tree near the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia.
This time, police have apprehended a man for allegedly peeing at the ablution area in the same building.
A video of the incident surfaced on Facebook on Tuesday (9 May). The caption called the man rude for relieving himself where Muslims cleanse themselves before prayers.
Source: Facebook
If convicted, the man may face up to two years’ jail, a fine, or both.
In the video, the man, whom the New Straits Times identified as a 69-year-old Singaporean, is seen urinating against a tiled wall.
Source: Facebook
The problem is that he was relieving himself in an area meant for Muslims to perform wudhu, or ablution.
This refers to the act of washing oneself before prayer and can be considered a type of worship itself, Muslim SG explains.
Another male voice can be heard in the clip, presumably from the person recording it. He calls the man disrespectful for peeing at such a sacred area.
The offending man then replies, “Sorry, sorry. No I-” before the video cuts off.
The caption of the Facebook post also condemns the man for his actions, claiming that “Singaporeans are getting ruder”.
Later that same day, Johor chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi left a comment on the post.
He wrote that the suspect has since been detained by the police under Section 295 of Malaysia’s penal code.
Source: Facebook
The New Straits Times noted that this particular section addresses the defiling of a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class.
It also reported that the suspect did not test positive for drugs.
However, he had a prior criminal record.
On Wednesday (10 May), The Star reported that there are plans to put up clearer signs to the public washrooms at the CIQ Complex soon.
Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, chairman of the state works, transportation, and infrastructure committee, said that this would be a great help to those who need to relieve themselves.
He does not encourage travellers to leave their vehicles to use the toilet, a separate New Straits Times article stated.
That said, those who can’t hold it in are reminded to use the proper facilities instead of peeing wherever they please.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Team Cougar Bsi on Facebook.
The authorities have investigated and closed the incident with no follow-ups required, MFA said.
He crossed the border daily in hopes of buying a house for his family.
On a few days, the thundery showers might extend into the night.
His church has urged parishioners to refrain from visiting him as he heals.
The kitten will be put up for adoption after its injuries are cured.
The toasts were barely a few centimetres thick.