M’sian Skateboarders Angered By Textbook Implying They Do Not Appreciate Religion Or Beliefs

Just like all communities in Malaysia, the skateboarding community has their fair share of stereotypes and bad eggs.

For instance, it appears that skateboarders do not live religiously or have beliefs, as told by a Form 2 textbook.

The SkateMalaysia Instagram page showcased a snippet from the textbook. It showcased a picture of school boys with skateboards and stated, “The situation below showcases teenage behaviour that does not appreciate religion or beliefs in life.”.

The textbook then asks students to:

1. Share how they feel upon seeing the picture and why.
2. Predict the effects that may occur if such behaviour continues.
3. Describe the attitude they need to have to shape good individuality based on religion and beliefs.

SkateMalaysia shared, “Astargfirullahalazim. What is the motive of the publisher of this textbook? What’s wrong with skateboarding activities? Are they aware that skateboarding has also competed in the 2018 Asian Games in Palembong, the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines and most recently, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a sporting category?”

They believe the statement in the textbook should be considered slander and puts off a negative impression against the skateboarding community.

“Even educating our society is biased towards skateboarders. Why educate the wrong way? Skateboarding is a (recreational) sport. Not an immoral activity, or more so written as ‘no appreciation of religion or belied in life’, and including a picture of teenagers skateboarding,” SkateMalaysia added.

They have since requested for the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu to resolve this matter.

“We, on behalf of the skateboard community in Malaysia are not satisfied and hope that all of these textbooks are disposed of and edited/reprinted,”

“This is slander to all of us. Educate the people, especially the younger generation in the right and smart way,” they ended their post by also tagging Education Minister, Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin.

Just like every other community in Malaysia, it is unfair to judge a whole group based on the bad behaviour of a few.

What do you think about this? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Also read: Child With Mild Autism Bullied In School, Regains Confidence Through Skateboarding