JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 7 — The People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) has reminded the public to respect every civil servant performing their duties in the field, including Rela members.

It said that each member of the team is a civil servant performing official duties under the jurisdiction of the relevant department.

“Therefore, any action to obstruct, threaten, or scold them while on duty can be investigated under the prevailing laws,” according to the department.

The statement follows a viral incident involving one of its members who was rudely reprimanded by a member of the public at the Johor Bahru Sentral Bus Terminal, Sultan Iskandar Building, recently.

Rela said that the incident on November 4 occurred while personnel were assisting in controlling the smooth movement of the public and safety in the terminal area.

The Rela member involved was rudely reprimanded by a dissatisfied individual after being asked to follow the designated route when wanting to use the bus service.

Meanwhile, the department also expressed appreciation to the officer involved for remaining professional when facing a tense situation.

“To maintain and improve the quality of service in the field, continuous training and guidance will continue to be provided to all members,” said the statement.

Yesterday, police said they had arrested a 31-year-old man allegedly involved in the incident.

Earlier, a 58-second video went viral on social media showing a man yelling at a Rela member, believed to be an elderly person, who was giving instructions while on duty.

The incident also shows a woman trying to calm the man, and the video has drawn various comments expressing sympathy for the Rela member involved.