Police are tracking a suspect after graffiti of the words ‘Allah’ and ‘Bismillahirrahim’ was found scrawled on a Chinese temple in Melaka
JASIN: Police are tracking down a suspect believed to be involved in a case of graffiti at a Chinese temple in Pantai Siring here.
The graffiti involved the words ‘Allah’ and ‘Bismillahirrahmanirrahim’.
Jasin district police chief Supt Lee Robert said initial information indicated residents had previously seen a man believed to be mentally unstable scribbling the words.
He said the man was seen writing on walls and electricity poles.
The incident was discovered by a fisherman who was fishing along the coastal area. He subsequently contacted the Serkam police post for further action at about 11 pm.
Initial investigations found that residents were unaware of the temple’s owner and the land ownership status.
Checks on the land ownership status will also be carried out through the Jasin District and Land Office.
Investigations are ongoing in collaboration with the Melaka Islamic Religious Department and the local authorities. The case is being investigated under Sections 295, 298 and 427 of the Penal Code.
Lee advised the public not to speculate or spread unverified information regarding the incident. He said such actions could affect public harmony and order.
He urged the public to always respect religious sensitivities and refrain from any actions that could incite tension.
“The police view seriously any act that could disrupt public order and will take firm action against any individuals involved,” he said.
Members of the public with any information have been urged to contact the investigating officer. They can call Insp Mohd Hafiz Othman at 017-317 8434 or 06-529 2222 (extn 323).
