M Kula Segaran (PH-Ipoh Barat) said the country has specific laws to handle religious discrimination at the workplace.

“What actions have been taken by the ministry? As I recall, there is a specific provision in the Employment Act for action to be taken.

“Has immediate action been taken? If not, it should be taken,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat.

Kula said religious and racial issues might become a significant problem if immediate action was not taken by the authorities.

“What I’m worried about is that one day, workers with holy ash on their forehead might face problems with their employers, resulting in their termination,” he said.

The former human resources minister was referring to the Hindu tradition of anointing the body, particularly the forehead, with holy ash.

On Sunday, a video of a man wearing a cross at work at a Chinese-Muslim restaurant went viral on social media. The restaurant later sacked the man, leading to a public outcry on social media.

Mon Chinese Beef Roti’s restaurant manager said the employee was sacked after they found out about the viral video, as reported by Berita Harian.

The manager, identified only as Sofia, apologised to those offended by the sight of the man wearing the cross and who were uneasy after watching the video.

Meanwhile, Penang Mufti Wan Salim Wan Noor said the firing of the employee was not in line with Islamic teachings.

He said Islam teaches its followers to be kind to all humans, even if they are of a different religion.