Penang police investigate cafe owner for putting Mao Zedong wallpaper



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The wallpaper depicting former communist leader Mao Zedong was found in two cafes owned by the same person in Penang. (Photo by Bernama Reader)

GEORGE TOWN: A cafe operator here is under investigation for decorating two of his outlets with communist-themed wallpaper, police said today.

Wallpaper images with drawings of the late Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong and also depicting elements of communism have gone viral since yesterday.

The head of the State Criminal Investigations Department, Rahimi Ra’ais, said that the outlets, located in Juru on the mainland and Pulau Tikus on the island, are owned by a 40-year-old man.

“The police have recorded statements from various people, including workers from both outlets to facilitate investigations.

“The police will record a statement from the owner who is currently in a two-week quarantine from Covid-19,” he told Bernama here today.

Investigations revealed that the Pulau Tikus store had been operating since 2016, while Juru’s since 2019, but the wallpaper was only recently placed, he said.

Police detained them yesterday, Rahimi said.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 47 of the Companies Act of 1966 for publishing propaganda of an illegal society and Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code for making, publishing or circulating any statement, rumor or report with the intention causing, or likely to cause fear or alarm to the public.

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