His comments come in response to a viral video that showed a grocery shop in Skudai, Johor that was offering food aid but allegedly discriminated against those of a certain race.

“If you want to help, please be sincere by helping anyone in need. Do not discriminate along ethnic lines,” Sultan Ibrahim said in a Facebook post.

He also emphasised that unity and tolerance were important tenets in the state.

“Our unity is the backbone of our society. The Sultan Ibrahim of Johor Foundation, for example, hands out food aid to all Johoreans every week, regardless of their race or religion.

“The intention is to help all people in need. Issues of race or religion should never arise.”

It is understood that the owner of the shop in question has since removed the offending sign and apologised.

The shop owner also allegedly claimed that it was one of the workers who had put up the sign.