BUKIT MERTAJAM (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - An unidentified man, whom a security guard described as "angry", has vandalised statues at St Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam in Penang with paint.

Central Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said that during the 4.45pm incident on Wednesday (Dec 4), the man entered the church and marked several statues and areas in the church before a security guard stopped him.

"The man then asked the guard for a pen and paper. He wrote a verse from the Bible and quickly left on a motorcycle. The guard did not take note of the make of the motorbike or its registration number. The guard described the man as being 'angry'," he said in a press statement.

ACP Nik Ros Azhan said they are looking at nearby CCTV footage to obtain more details about the man.

"Besides the statues, the man spray painted parts of the floor, as well. The damage is estimated to be about RM200 (S$65)," he said.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief.

"The offence carries a maximum five-year jail sentence or a fine, or both, if convicted," he said.