WATCH: Clip Of Local Man Stepping On ‘Rangoli’ Decor At Hospital Sparks Outrage Among Netizens

By Lara Kramer  •  31 Oct 2022 in News

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An important traditional aspect of the annual Deepavali celebration is the colourful Rangoli or kolam that adorns the floors of numerous homes and public spaces such as malls. Usually, handfuls of beads of coloured rice are carefully arranged by hand to form a striking pattern.

However, these are not just a mere decoration. Rangolis carry a social, spiritual and symbolic meaning of the festival for Hindus. We, Hindus, believe that the Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth is more likely to visit the homes that have the decoration placed at the entrance of the house.

Tengok mentality Pukimak Ini pic.twitter.com/ZtEKw2xBlw

— INDRREN (@Vindhar1) October 30, 2022

Unfortunately, the decoration was somehow turned into a joke in a viral video depicting the actions of a man who intentionally stepped on the kolam, messing up the pattern, all while laughing and enjoying himself.

Through multiple clips that were reposted by netizens on Twitter, the man, fully clad in a blue Baju Melayu was filmed performing the act at KPJ Klang by his laughing friends. The video circulated across other social media platforms including Facebook and Telegram. Perhaps aware that he received a lot of criticism on TikTok too, the man involved is believed to have switched his social media profiles to private.

You know how hard it is, how tedious the process is to make a ‘kolam’ especially that beautiful. It take days & you vandalising it, shows no mercy to those who did it. Dont talk about respecting culture when you dont even have basic courtesy to understand someone else’s effort

— Rishi. S (@webarebears001) October 30, 2022

This was not before netizens condemned the man’s actions which were seen as extremely uncivilised and disrespectful of other faiths. Some also uploaded screenshots of the man’s profile online, ultimately revealing his identity.

The private hospital management was also made aware of the issue and subsequently released a statement explaining that they are conducting further investigations, and strict action will be taken against the perpetrator, adding that they will not make compromises when it comes to unethical behaviour.

Additionally, last night, North Klang District Police Chief, Vijaya Rao Samachulu confirmed that the man, believed to be a staff member of KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital, will be called in for investigations today.

“The head of the Bandar Baru Klang Police Station has made a report regarding the video and the suspect will be called to the North Klang IPD tomorrow,” he said in a statement, adding that the case was investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code; intentionally harming or attempting to harm harmony or unity.

He advised the public to be mindful of their behaviour and avoid performing actions that could negatively impact the harmony of the nation.