THE festival of lights is just around the corner and reminding us is no other than the beautiful, colourful koolam that make up the centrepiece in many shopping malls.
But this year, and on the cyberspace, a very unique koolam became the vital art piece that united Malaysians of all races, and in a pleasantly unexpected way too.
In a video post on Threads, netizen ninetofiveworker told parents to watch their kids, at the same time, showing a video recording of a koolam that had been ruined.
Replying to the post was an insensitive netizen who said, “If you don’t want it to be stepped on, why make it on the floor. Just asking.”
This is akin to stirring the hornet’s nest. Unsurprisingly, that one comment has since drawn over 4,000 replies and 200 shares on threads.
But interestingly, the vast number of condemnation came from the Malays, who quickly pointed out the importance of respecting other people’s religion.
According to netizen putri_aryana01, the floor was not only to be stepped on. It was also a place to stand on, sit, recline and to bow in prayer.
Snh_awe added that Islam teaches its followers not to belittle other people’s religion.
“This is not the first time Indians make koolam in the mall. That is their tradition and art. We should teach our children to respect the cultures of others, provided they do not cause any harm,” pointed out stillgrowing.co_official.
Just reading through the comment section, one is filled with hope for a more harmonious Malaysia.
Beyond the usual mud slinging and catty barbs that usually define Threads, some netizens came to educate the masses on the meaning of the koolam too.
Take for example, arthy21 who said koolams are specifically painted on the ground or floor because the earth is considered a sacred living canvas, connecting the home and nature.
Muhammadfaizulfakar even resorted to AI to explain the situation:
Then there was assam7699 stating that the tradition of creating floor patterns using rice flour symbolizes an invitation for the divine to bestow wealth and happiness, while also welcoming the guests and bringing good fortune.
“When ants and small insects feed on the rice flour, we rejoice, taking it as a sign that our prayers have been accepted,” added assam7699.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this episode is that Malaysians can still agree on something, even if it takes a ruined koolam and one thoughtless comment to get there.
And if there is one thing netizens have demonstrated, it is that while a koolam may be made of rice flour, the lesson in respecting other people’s cultures is certainly not something that should be swept under the carpet.
After all, it costs nothing to be respectful, but apparently, it takes thousands of comments to teach some people how.—Nov 6, 2026
