The chief operating officer of popular burger outlet myBurgerLab has apologised for criticising the Terengganu government’s move to fine Muslim men who do not perform the Friday prayers without a valid reason.
After getting backlash from netizens on X, Andrew Chong said he was “deeply sorry” for his remarks, acknowledging that they have caused hurt to the Muslim community.
“It was thoughtless and I take full responsibility. My values are rooted in respect and inclusivity, but I fell short here.
“I would be grateful for the chance to hear from those willing to share, so I can understand more deeply and help rebuild trust,” he said.
Chong added that he deleted his original posting criticising the Terengganu government’s fine to avoid causing more hurt or anger, maintaining that he was not running from his misstep.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Muslim men in Terengganu who skip the Friday prayers and do not have a valid reason for doing so could face a maximum RM3,000 fine and a prison term of up to two years.
This followed amendments passed to the east coast state’s shariah enactment several years ago.
In response to the report, Chong had posted on X: “Slowly but surely if Malaysia is taken over by extremism, we will become Iran after the revolution, i,e. what you see today, and that should scare everyone.”
He was sharply criticised by netizens, while some have since called for the eatery to be boycotted.
