POLICE in Johor opened two investigation papers following a suspected Molotov cocktail attack on several homes in a Rohingya settlement in Kulai Besar early today, amid tensions surrounding two viral Facebook videos.
Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said police received a report of the fire at about 1.30am on Tuesday.
“Preliminary investigations found that the fire was believed to have been caused by Molotov cocktails thrown at several homes belonging to Rohingya residents in the area.
“However, the fire was extinguished and no injuries or other damage were reported,” he said in a statement.
Ab Rahaman said police were not ruling out the possibility that the attack was carried out by individuals angered by two viral Facebook videos showing a group of people believed to be Rohingya challenging Malays to come to the Kulai area.
“The individuals in the videos also allegedly called Malays cowards and claimed they did not dare enter the area,” he said.
Police have also received a report concerning the viral videos.
A Rohingya man in his 30s subsequently lodged a police report denying involvement in either video. He claimed his photograph had been misused by others to produce the content.
Police are investigating the suspected attack under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a house.
Investigations are also being conducted under Sections 505(b) and 505(c) of the Penal Code, relating to statements that may cause public fear or alarm or incite one group or race against another, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 concerning improper use of network facilities.
Ab Rahaman said police viewed the incident seriously and would take firm action against anyone found to have committed acts that threatened peace and racial harmony in Johor.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station, the Johor police hotline at 019-2792095 or the Johor police contingent headquarters operations room at 07-2212999. - October 13, 2026