Petaling Jaya temple violence: Malaysian police uncover leads to identity of mastermind

Police are zooming in on the mastermind behind the storming of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Subang Jaya on Nov 26. PHOTO: BERNAMA

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysian police are zooming in on the possible mastermind behind the fracas at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya, and its surrounding areas, said the Selangor police chief.

Datuk Mazlan Mansor said the police had uncovered leads to the identity of the mastermind.

"Let us investigate first and track him down. We will also call up the housing developer to assist in investigations," he said at a special press conference held at the state police headquarters on Tuesday (Nov 27).

A total of 21 people have been detained in connection with the incident, he said, adding that a fireman was also injured in the line of duty.

"We are monitoring the situation minute by minute to ensure it does not worsen," Commissioner Mazlan said.

He said that five more vehicles near the temple and at One City Mall were burnt on Monday night while a Fire and Rescue Department vehicle was also damaged by a group of people.

"Several groups of people also went to One City Mall, some 1km from the temple, and broke the building's mirrors and other properties," he said.

Comm Mazlan issued a stern warning to those responsible for the trouble to not make matters worse.

"We will identify and track down those who created trouble at the temple and One City Mall."

He also urged people to stop issuing statements that would jeopardise public order.

"They should instead take actions that will remedy the situation," he added.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Noor Rashid Ibrahim said that some 1,400 Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) members and traffic police personnel will be placed around the temple.

"We will impose a stricter control of the area to prevent further riots from happening.

"If there are any signs that groups intend to assemble, we will stop it before it gets out of hand," he said after launching a Road Safety Awareness campaign.

Bernama reported that IGP Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the roads near the temple had not been closed, as it would greatly inconvenience the public.

"However, we are considering having roadblocks there," he said after presenting the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara award to 252 officers and personnel at the Perak police headquarters on Tuesday.

On Monday night, Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi said they deployed the FRU and the General Operations Force to prevent anything untoward from occurring, but sadly, the rioting brewed in pla­ces where policemen were not assigned.

The IGP called on all parties, including politicians, to get the real facts before issuing any statement on the incident.

"Those who are not connected to the incident should refrain from saying or taking action that could jeopardise public safety," he said.

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