In moments of crisis, a little kindness can go a long way. But what happens when empathy is nowhere to be found?
A heartbreaking incident at Pasar Tani Padang Astaka has left many questioning the lack of compassion in our society after a differently-abled man (OKU) was publicly humiliated and attacked following a minor accident.
A simple mishap escalates
It was a typical busy morning at the market on January 17, 2025, around 9:30 a.m., when the man, riding his motorcycle, accidentally collided with a vendor’s stall.
The impact damaged some goods, and food items were scattered across the road—a sight that surely frustrated the stall owner.
However, instead of a calm resolution, things quickly spiralled out of control.
From accident to assault
What started as an honest mistake became a scene of chaos as several individuals reacted aggressively.
They beat and dragged the man, leaving him lying helplessly on the ground. He repeatedly apologised, even pleading for water, but his cries fell on deaf ears.
Instead of helping, bystanders stood around, some choosing to record the ordeal on their phones.
As the man tried to regain his composure and clean himself up, another individual approached and kicked him in the face.
The brutal attack left him visibly injured, and it is suspected he may have suffered a concussion.
At that moment, the lack of compassion became painfully clear. No one stepped in to help.
Following the public outcry over a video of the incident that has since gone viral, the police have confirmed that investigations are underway, reported Sinar Harian.
Acting Kemaman District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Wan Muhamad Ja’far, revealed that the authorities received a report about the incident at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
Preliminary investigations have identified the victim as a 47-year-old man with a mental disability.
He had been riding his motorcycle through the market area when he accidentally collided with one of the vendor stalls, causing the goods to spill onto the ground.
“This situation prompted several individuals to assault the victim. As a result of the incident, the injured victim was taken to Kemaman Hospital for further treatment,” Wan Muhamad stated.
The police are now actively tracking down the individuals involved in the assault.
Members of the public with any information related to the case are encouraged to contact the Kemaman District Police Headquarters at 09-859 2222.
