Clip shows man berating women at a bus stop in Penang, north west Malaysia

He asks one of them about her religion and why she is not wearing a headscarf

She said it was her personal choice before attacker slapped her across the face

This is the moment an irate man slapped a Muslim woman in Malaysia when she told him it was her 'right' not to wear the hijab.

Footage shows the attacker berating a number of women sitting at a bus stop in the state of Penang, north west Malaysia and asking one about her faith and why she was not wearing a headscarf.

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But when she explained that the hijab 'is our right' and a personal choice, he lashed out with the back of his hand, striking her across the face.

Footage captured the moment an irate man slapped a Muslim woman in Malaysia when she told him it was her 'right' not to wear the hijab

Footage captured the moment an irate man slapped a Muslim woman in Malaysia when she told him it was her 'right' not to wear the hijab

When the woman (right) explained that the hijab 'is our right' and a personal choice, he lashed out with the back of his hand, striking her across the face

The video has sparked fury online in Malaysia and has been viewed more than 700,000 times.

The man, who wears a jumper and a pair of jogging bottoms, had approached a group of women sitting at the bus stop.

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He asked the women, who were wearing stylish, fashionable clothing, what religion they followed.

One of them told him she was a Muslim and he asked why she was not wearing a headscarf. Her response threw him into a rage and phone footage shows how he berated her as shocked onlookers watched on.

Footage shows the attacker berating a number of women sitting at a bus stop in the state of Penang, north west Malaysia and asking one about her faith before striking her

Footage shows the attacker berating a number of women sitting at a bus stop in the state of Penang, north west Malaysia and asking one about her faith before striking her

He then slapped the unidentified woman, who can be seen wearing a black dress and jewellery.

The woman, who appears to be using a mobile phone, then stands up as if to confront her attacker.

More than 60 per cent of Malaysia's population of over 30 million people are Muslim and social attitudes - particularly outside cities - can be conservative.

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Religious conservatism has also been rising in Malaysia in recent years, chipping away at a one-time reputation for moderation and tolerance.