Twice as many 3R issues reported compared to 2023, says Aaron Ago

PETALING JAYA: Some 47 issues pertaining to 3R (race, religion and royalty) matters have been reported to the National Unity Minstry’s eSepakat system during the first quarter of this year, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

The National Unity Minister said this marked a 123% increase in the number of cases compared to the same period last year (21 cases).

He pointed out that the National Unity Ministry was not an enforcement agency but a supporting agency that always worked with bodies such as the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the National Security Council (NSC) on unity matters.

“The public thinks the ministry can take action on any unity issues, especially those pertaining to 3R matters.

“While we do not have enforcement powers nor specific acts to take legal action, the ministry plays an important role in handling unity matters.

“This includes detecting and monitoring unity issues at the grassroots level through eSepakat,” he said in a statement on Saturday (April 6).

The eSepakat system was the centralised data collection hub for managing unity issues, working towards detecting, monitoring, and reporting such issues digitally.

Aaron Ago added that some 162 cases of racial disputes were recorded by the police this year.

Johor had the highest number of cases with 53, followed by Selangor (34) and Penang (23).

He added that, according to MCMC records, 1,454 social media posts containing 3R issues were also removed from their respective platforms between January and March 31.

“As a country with a diverse background, mutual respect and tolerance must be at a high level.

“It is compulsory for all to understand the various cultures, languages, religions and lifestyles practised by the various races in the country,” he said.

“We must all remember that each of us is responsible and play a role in preserving our beloved country’s harmony, sovereignty, peace and security,” Aaron Ago added.