It’s not a racial clash, say police

KOTA BARU: The scuffle at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya, was not a racial clash, says Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim.

He said a preliminary investigation found that it could be due to the acquisition of land in the area that is said to have been done in an “unpleasant manner” between the landowner and the temple.

“Perhaps the side wanting to take over (the land) engaged a group of Malay men to facilitate the acquisition. It is possible that they are gangsters and, of course, the Indian group attempted to check the intrusion.

“I have to clarify because it is a sensitive issue and I don’t want anyone to take advantage (of the situation). There is no issue of a racial clash,” he said here yesterday.

He said the incident started at about 2.30am after a group of about 50 men, believed to be Malays, intruded into the temple.

“Several caretakers noticed it and contacted their friends. About 200 Indian men rushed there and cordoned off the temple.

“When the police arrived, the intruders attempted to flee and a clash erupted between the two groups. As a result, three men were injured while several vehicles were reportedly torched.”