TEMPLE DEMOLITION LINKED TO LAND DISPUTE, NOT RACIAL OR RELIGIOUS CONFLICT - POLICE

KAJANG, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- The public has been urged not to misconstrue last Wednesday’s temple demolition in Rawang as a racial or religious conflict, as the matter is linked to land encroachment and refusal to vacate privately owned property.

Selangor police Chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said investigations into the incident are ongoing and declined to comment in detail to avoid creating any perception against either the landowner or the temple management.

“This issue is actually straightforward. The public is advised not to politicise or inflame racial and religious sentiments, as the matter concerns encroachment and refusal to vacate land owned by a particular party, not a racial or religious dispute,” he added.

He said this at a press conference after the Walkabout Langkah Selamat Ketua Polis Selangor: Santuni Komuniti Kajang at MRT Stadium Kajang, organised jointly with Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana), here today.

Shazeli added that the individuals previously detained in connection with the case have been released following an order by the Shah Alam High Court.

He urged the media and the public to await the outcome of investigations and refrain from speculation.

Last Wednesday, police arrested four men to assist in investigations into the alleged encroachment involving a temple in Rawang.

The arrests were made following a report lodged by a local man regarding the demolition of a structure believed to have been built without proper approval in the area. An investigation paper has been opened under sections 427, 295, 504 and 447 of the Penal Code.

-- BERNAMA