THE Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) wants employers to take measures at the workplace to prevent and eliminate all forms of religious intolerance, inequality and discrimination.

In a statement following a recent report of an employer allegedly assaulting two of his workers for fasting, Suhakam reminded employers of the importance of respecting a person’s right to profess and practise his religion.

Describing the assault as appalling, the commission said the incident reinforces the negative perception of Malaysian employers and a lack of protection and respect for workers’ rights.

“Suhakam wishes to highlight the importance of respecting everyone’s freedom to manifest his or her religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching, and that no one deserves to be subjected to any form of assault, insult, or humiliation for doing so,” it said in the statement,

It said employers should strive to respect and protect freedom of religion or belief, including workers’ rights to profess, practice and propagate their religious beliefs at the workplace.

It called on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and for the perpetrators to be prosecuted for the alleged assault.

Four people, including the employer, have been remanded in the case police have classified as assault and criminal intimidation.

Two workers were reportedly were beaten with a cane at the employer’s home in Bukit Tinggi, Klang.

The employer also allegedly took a pistol from one of the victims and pointed it at them while threatening and insulting them.

It is learnt the workers were bodyguards.

Home Minister Hamzah Zainuddin has called the act of stopping someone from fasting a “big issue”. – April 16, 2021.