03/05/2025

SATURDAY | MAY 3, 2025

5

Call to stem toxic online slang usage

o Association urges govt action as racial code words fuel division on social media

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

sensitive 3R issues – royalty, religion and race.” Siraj noted that such comments frequently surface when news relates to a particular ethnic group. “For instance, when news broke about an illegal temple, certain individuals would comment about ‘Type I’. Similarly, when illegal farming is discussed, some netizens target ‘Type C’ and when family related issues arise, the term ‘Type M’ is often used.” He added that the Malay language allows for satire to be used subtly as a vehicle for criticism, often with the expectation that the underlying message will be understood by the intended audience. “Those who take it with an open mind may not react strongly, but others may respond aggressively to the provocation.” Siraj stressed that it is the responsibility of the government, particularly the National Unity Ministry, to create platforms where sensitive topics can be addressed in a constructive and meaningful manner. “Initially, I didn’t quite grasp it but as it persisted, the message these groups were trying to send became clear.” He believes the public also has a role to play in addressing the issue. “Of course this trend shouldn’t continue. Personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to call out any of my friends if they took part in it online.” For Muhammad Afiq Muktar, a 30 year-old executive based in Sungai Petani, such labels can be a double edged sword. While he acknowledged that racial identifiers can honour Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, their misuse, especially in online discourse, is fuelling division.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) has voiced concern over the growing trend of online ethnic labelling among Malaysians, warning that such toxic behaviour is eroding national unity and mutual respect. The association was referring to a recent trend on social media in which individuals are being categorised as “Type M”, “Type C” and “Type I” – terms widely believed to correspond to the country’s three major ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese and Indian. Speaking to theSun , MCCA president Siraj Jalil said this divisive behaviour is being driven by certain groups attempting to provoke others, often under the guise of using seemingly non-provocative language. “Terms such as ‘Type M,’ ‘Type C’ and ‘Type I’ aren’t inherently offensive, but we all understand what they imply and who the intended targets are. “These groups are trying to shape a narrative, but in a way that avoids being judged as violating the PETALING JAYA: The growing trend of tagging individuals on social media with labels such as “Type M”, “Type C” and “Type I” is raising alarm across Malaysia. Critics warn that the practice not only oversimplifies identities but also reinforces racial stereotypes, fosters division and undermines efforts to build an inclusive and respectful digital environment. As the trend spreads, public pressure is mounting on authorities to take action before it causes further harm to national unity. Operations manager Boon Ming Choon, 46, from Johor Bahru, told theSun he had noticed the trend gaining traction online for some time.

Siraj said the divisive behaviour is being driven by certain groups attempting to provoke others, often under the guise of using seemingly non-provocative language. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

recurring on social media. “I’m not saying such programmes don’t exist, but the government must create more opportunities for these discussions to take place.”

and can effectively communicate their concerns to ensure all communities feel represented in the dialogue.

Resident feared drowned after falling into river SIBU: A man is feared drowned after he reportedly fell into a river near the LKIM Fisheries Port Jetty in Tanjung Manis yesterday. The victim, identified as Tan San Belati, 40, from Sungai Mapai, Kanowit, is believed to have slipped while walking down the jetty. He was returning to a trawler to rest after spending time with his co-workers. The Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call about the incident at 1.56am. A search and rescue team from the Tanjung Manis fire station was deployed, involving five firefighters and a fire engine. The operation was suspended at 3.23am and resumed at 8am yesterday following discussions with the police. – Bernama Three men killed in expressway car crash KUALA LUMPUR: Three men were killed when the car they were travelling in skidded and crashed into a road divider on the Kuala Lumpur– Seremban Expressway (Besraya), heading towards the Sungai Besi toll plaza near the Balakong exit, yesterday. The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 5.57am and dispatched 10 firefighters with two fire engines from the Sungai Besi and Bukit Jalil stations. Operations commander Shahrum Din said they found a sedan that had lost control and struck the divider. “All three men, believed to be in their 30s, were trapped inside the vehicle with serious injuries. It took about an hour for firefighters to extricate them.” They were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. – Bernama

He emphasised that the ministry must involve individuals who resonate with each ethnic group Malaysians speak out against racist labels “First, we need to address the root cause of why these issues keep

more fragmentation.” Private sector employee Sakthi Ganesh, 32, said he hopes the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will begin monitoring and blocking accounts that post racially charged content. “It’s truly disheartening. I think those who make these comments likely haven’t had meaningful interactions with people of other races, which has shaped their current mindset. “If someone makes a mistake, it shouldn’t be immediately linked to their race. That’s a very sensitive issue. Remarks like these can deeply wound those who come across them.” – by Ikhwan Zulkaflee Datuk M. Kumar confirmed the arrest of a 36-year-old man at a jetty in Batu Pahat. An inspection of a pickup truck revealed 20 bundles of suspected syabu , weighing over 20kg and worth more than RM662,000. He said the syndicate had been using vehicles to store drugs before smuggling them by sea to neighbouring countries. – Bernama

“On one hand, these labels can help us appreciate our cultural history and traditions, creating opportunities to celebrate diversity and strengthen generational ties. “But when racial labelling becomes overused or weaponised, as we see now with race being referred to as a ‘type’, it risks hardening stereotypes and prejudice.” He stressed that in a pluralistic society such as Malaysia, reducing people to racial shorthand can block genuine dialogue and mutual understanding. “If we only see someone through the lens of race, without acknowledging their values or background, it leads to

Three nabbed for illegal iron ore mining in forest reserve KUANTAN: Three men, including two Bangladeshi nationals, were arrested for suspected illegal iron ore mining at Sungai Ganoh in the Bukit Ibam Forest Reserve, Muadzam Shah, on Tuesday. The arrests took place at about 3am during a joint operation by the General Operations Force (GOF) 7th Battalion and the Pahang State Enforcement Unit under Op Bersepadu Khazanah. According to a statement from the GOF Southeast Brigade, inspections revealed that the site was operated by a local man together with two Bangladeshi nationals. The site owner failed to produce a valid mining licence, while the two foreign workers did not possess Man charged with trafficking over 20kg of syabu BATU PAHAT: An unemployed man was charged at the Magistrates’ Court in Batu Pahat yesterday with trafficking more than 20kg of syabu last month. The charge against Muhammad Nur Hazreq Kairuddin, 36, was read out before Magistrate Nurasidah A Rahman. No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. According to the charge, Muhammad Nur Hazreq was found trafficking 20,712g of methamphetamine at a jetty near a lamppost along Lorong 3, 1/7, Minyak Beku, Batu Pahat at 7pm on April 21. He is charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39B(2), which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. If not sentenced to death, the offender must also receive no fewer than 12 strokes of the cane. Deputy Public Prosecutor Firdaus Ruslan appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented. No bail was offered. The case will be mentioned again on June 30 for the submission of chemical reports. Last Tuesday, Johor Police Chief

valid identification documents. All three men, aged between 40 and 50, were detained. The case is being investigated under the State Mineral Enactment 2001 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. – Bernama