Suspect nabbed for damaging statue in Matang temple

TAIPING: A 23-year-old village worker, who is believed to have damaged a statue at the Sri Mangala Nayagi Amman Temple in Matang, has been arrested by the police.

Perak deputy police chief Deputy Comm Azizi Mat Aris said the man was arrested at his house in Matang following a report lodged on the incident on Wednesday at 9am.

"According to the witness, the man was clad only in his underwear during the incident.

"He also pushed away a man who tried to calm him down," he said in a statement.

"During the arrest, we seized two hammers believed to have been used to damage the statue," he added.

DCP Azizi said the matter was being investigated under Section 295 of the Penal Code for damaging a place of worship.

"The man was also tested positive for ganja.

"A remand order for the man will also be obtained on Thursday (Oct 19) to allow us to complete our investigations," he said.

"The people are advised to refrain from speculating on the incident to prevent public unrest," he added.