On a rampage: The man is captured on video destroying temple property at a Taoist temple in Balik Pulau, Penang.
BALIK PULAU: A video footage of a man on a rampage at a temple has left netizens vexed. The grainy clips showed a man shouting “siau lang” (meaning maniac) in Hokkien while destroying furniture at a Taoist temple in Batu Itam, Balik Pulau.
In multiple videos that have since gone viral on social media, the man – carrying a backpack and wearing a yellow long-sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans – went on wrecking spree, destroying the temple furniture in the foyer.
The footage also showed him desecrating the temple by urinating in front of the shuttered doors to the shrine hall.
He is seen throwing plastic chairs, wooden tabletops and benches while speaking to those capturing his antics on video.
The 28-year-old suspect was captured throwing parts of a broken plastic chair at a grille gate.
At some point, the suspect yelled at those filming him.
OCPD Supt Kamarul Rizal Jenal said they were made aware of the incident yesterday after two videos of the man misbehaving at the temple grounds began circulating on social media.
“The videos show the incident took place on Saturday at around 6.30pm.
“The suspect has been arrested and is believed to be of unsound mind.
“He has been remanded for four days to assist in investigations,” he said in a statement.
Supt Kamarul said the case would be investigated under Section 295 of the Penal Code for defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class and Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief.
“We want to remind people not to speculate as it might interfere with our investigations,” he said.
