People often believe that a punishment should fit the crime. However, while some believe in playing judge, jury and executioner, there’s a reason why that system doesn’t always hold water.
Recently, a video of a man in a Prasarana uniform beating another man went viral. Apparently, the Prasarana employee was punishing him for being unable to pay for cup noodles at a convenience store. Netizens were outraged with his actions and many felt he was taking things too far.
The video began with two men, one in a Prasarana uniform, ganging up on another. They could be heard asking him to “pay up now“. When the man attempted to leave, he was grabbed and pulled back to the counter by the Prasarana employee. “You pay up now,” the employee insisted, pointing at something on the counter. When the man told him he didn’t have any money, the employee slapped the man and called him “stupid” before hitting him again.
Another clip in the video showed the man holding two cup noodles in his hands. A man with a “auxiliary police” patch on his shoulder could be heard telling the victim to put down the cups and leave the store. When the man attempted to plead with the auxiliary police, he demanded the victim pay up.
Netizens were upset with the situation as many felt the convenience store, believed to be 7-Eleven, could afford the loss of two cup noodles. Some urged compassion and mercy for the man, claiming he might have issues that people weren’t privy too. “That person could be mentally challenged or unwell,” one netizen pointed out. “There are so many reasons people do this. After all, it’s just Maggi.” Others insisted they had no right to punish the man for his deeds, claiming they should have left it to the police.
However, there were those who claimed it was a scam. “This usually happens,” one comment read. “(They will) go into the store like (gangsters) and take whatever without paying. When they get hit (for it), they will pretend to be (disabled).” Others pointed out that the man seemed drunk. “Enough money to drink, not enough money for food,” one scoffed. “There are all types.” A netizen even went as far as to joke this was due to Will Smith slapping Chis Rock during the recent Oscar awards.
Prasarana has promised that they are looking into the matter and have stated they do not condone their employee’s actions. “It is believed the incident took place when the victim was caught and accused of taking food without paying at the convenience store,” they stated. “However, the assaulter’s actions go against Prasarana’s code of work ethics. No matter the situation, if it requires further assistance, it should be (turned over) to the authorities.”
They have since apologised for their employee’s actions. Prasarana has also stated that they would be taking appropriate actions to prevent similar incidents in the future. If anyone has any information regarding the issue, they have been requested to contact the company, either by their hotline (03-7885 2585) or by e-mail (suggest@rapidkl.com.my).
Hopefully, the victim gets the benefit of doubt and help, if he needs it. After all, if we want to world to be a little kinder to us, we should probably start with ourselves. You can’t harvest what you’ve never sown.
Sources: China Press, MHI Allnews, Facebook (1)(2), YouTube
