The Top 11 Controversies That Shook Malaysians In 2024
Can't believe all of this happened this year.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 02 Dec 2024, 12:24 PM
1. Najib's 50% 'discount' on jail sentence
When: February 2024
On 2 February, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's 12-year jail sentence was reduced by half to six years, setting a new release date of 28 August 2028, following a decision by the Federal Territories Pardons Board.
His fine was also reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.
Najib's lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, claimed that the former Agong wanted to grant his client a full pardon, but the final decision was a partial reduction.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Federal Territories Pardons Board reduced Najib's sentence after considering his contributions to the nation.
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2. KK Mart's "Allah" socks fiasco
When: March 2024
The KK Super Mart controversy erupted on 13 March when socks emblazoned with the word "Allah" were discovered for sale at one of its outlets in Sunway City, Petaling Jaya, sparking public outrage and calls for boycotts.
Dr Alwani Ghazali, a senior lecturer in the Department of Aqidah and Islamic Thought at the Academy of Islamic Studies in Universiti Malaysia, explained that the socks were considered offensive because feet are associated with a "lowly status".
KK Super Mart and its supplier, Xin Jian Chang, apologised publicly and removed the socks from their shelves. KK Super Mart founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan also apologised to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, when he was granted an audience.
Despite the apologies, legal action ensued. Both the convenience store and the supplier pleaded guilty to charges of wounding religious feelings and were fined RM60,000 each.
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3. Local fried chicken restaurant accused of racism for referring to netizens as "Type-C"
When: May 2024
The term "Type C" trended on social media after DarSA Fried Chicken (DFC) used it to refer to Chinese Malaysians in response to a customer's comment about high prices.
This remark sparked backlash and accusations of racism, leading DFC to issue two public apologies, attributing the mistake to a distracted social media administrator.
The controversy shed light on underlying racial tensions in Malaysia and prompted calls for greater understanding and respect among the nation's diverse communities. DFC has since taken measures to prevent similar incidents, including stricter social media management.
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4. Acid attack on Faisal Halim sparked a series of violent incidents against footballers
When: May 2024
Malaysian footballer Faisal Halim suffered severe injuries after being attacked with acid at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, on 5 May, resulting in fourth-degree burns on his shoulder, chest, and arms.
This incident was part of a disturbing trend of violent attacks targeting high-profile Malaysian football players, including Akhyar Rashid, who was assaulted outside his residence, and Safiq Rahim, whose car was attacked by assailants. Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee's house was also broken into during this period.
The attacks raised significant concerns about player safety, leading to calls for increased security measures and bodyguards for athletes.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and various stakeholders urged comprehensive investigations and enhanced protection for players to prevent such incidents in the future.
In June, Faisal said he considered quitting football for his family's safety.
As of 25 November, the investigations were still ongoing, with the cases now handled by a special team from the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department's Classified Crimes Investigation Unit, reported FMT.
The Selangor state government has yet to receive an update from the police on the progress of the investigations.
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5. One-by-one gentleman: the altercation that captured nationwide attention
When: June 2024
The owner of a convenience store in Seberang Jaya, Penang, went viral after a video showed him "defeating" a drunk customer in a one-on-one fight.
Known for his catchphrase "One By One Gentleman", Goh Yap Eng later shared that he is a black belt master in taekwondo.
In an interview with BFM, Goh revealed that his store, Pasar Mini Kim Leong, makes around RM12,000 a month despite competition from large corporations.
The incident gained further attention when Pakatan Harapan's Sungai Bakap by-election candidate, Joohari Ariffin, recreated the fight in a campaign video to promote racial unity. The video, featuring a durian twist, aimed to garner votes from the Chinese and Indian communities.
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6. Cyberbullying claims TikToker Esha's life
When: July 2024
TikTok content creator Rajeswary Appahu, known as Esha, tragically died by suicide after enduring relentless cyberbullying.
One individual reportedly used her photo and made several threats to "rape and kill" as well as "injure" her. Despite reporting the threats and harassment to the police, she died a day later.
The issue escalated after a 35-year-old woman was fined only RM100 for her involvement in cyberbullying Esha.
The woman pleaded guilty to deliberately uttering vulgarities with the intention to stir anger and disturb peace, an offence carrying a maximum fine of RM100.
Following the incident, Minister in the Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated that the government would consider amending the Penal Code to introduce provisions addressing cyberbullying.
This tragic event has sparked national outrage and calls for stronger laws against cyberbullying in Malaysia.
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7. Halal issue at F&B chains
When: September 2024
The controversy surrounding halal certification in Malaysia erupted when a letter from the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) confirmed that several popular restaurant chains were not halal-certified.
Many Malaysians were surprised by this revelation and sought clarification from the affected restaurants.
In response, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar announced that JAKIM was considering a proposal to mandate halal certification for restaurants and food companies.
Seputeh member of parliament (MP) Teresa Kok argued against making halal certification mandatory. Her remarks were criticised for touching on 3R issues (race, religion, and royalty).
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan even suggested that non-Muslim-owned eateries without halal certification not serve Muslim customers.
Ultimately, the cabinet voted against JAKIM's proposal to make halal certification mandatory.
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8: GISB exposed: exploitation of minors
When: September 2024
GISB Holdings, a conglomerate with ties to the banned Al-Arqam sect, came under investigation for widespread child abuse and exploitation at its welfare homes.
The company, which operates 415 businesses globally, was accused of using child labour and engaging in human trafficking.
Police raids led to the rescue of over 600 children and the arrest of numerous individuals, including top executives and their family members. The scandal has shed light on the company's controversial past and its continued influence despite the official ban on Al-Arqam.
Bukit Aman CID director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said he felt "disgusted" after learning about the findings of the investigation.
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9. Alice Chang terrorising F&B chains
When: October 2024
Alice Chang became a controversial figure in October after videos and photos of her playing with and kissing raw dough at an Auntie Anne's outlet went viral.
Following the backlash, Auntie Anne's terminated her employment and closed the outlet for disinfection.
Alice did not stop there; she continued securing jobs at various food and beverage outlets in the Klang Valley, including McDonald's and Nando's.
By the end of the month, Alice revealed that she was pregnant with a Datuk Seri's baby, adding another layer to her growing list of controversies.
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10. Vivy Yusof selling her luxury handbags amid corruption allegations
When: November 2024
Vivy Yusof and her husband, Fadzarudin Anuar, faced intense public scrutiny in November after Vivy announced on her personal Instagram page that she was selling her luxury handbags.
This came amid an investigation by MACC into FashionValet, the company they co-founded, for financial mismanagement and corruption.
FashionValet, which was previously backed by government-linked investment companies Khazanah Nasional and Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), saw its stake drop from RM47 million to RM3.1 million, forcing the companies to cut their losses.
With Vivy selling her handbags against the backdrop of corruption allegations, many netizens questioned how she was able to afford such a lavish collection while her company consistently posted losses.
The anti-graft body later seized 11 designer handbags and a luxury wristwatch worth RM200,000 during a raid at the couple's residence in Mont Kiara.
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11. Lorry driver flashes a "V" sign after fatal accident
When: November 2024
Malaysians were gripped by the tragedy in Bukit Tengah, Penang, when a container detached from a lorry and crushed 21-year-old Lee Zi Rou at a traffic light intersection.
She was declared dead at the scene. Her final moments were marked by a heartbreaking phone call to her mother, expressing immense pain.
The lorry driver, Marhizan Johari, 51, was arrested and charged in court, where he controversially flashed a peace sign, sparking public outrage.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) has since announced its support for the lorry driver's family, as he has been denied bail and faces serious charges.
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