KUALA LUMPUR: Two men detained following a rally against the construction of allegedly illegal temples on Saturday (Feb 7) have been remanded for two days, police say.
They are controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth and TanahMalaya.com founder Tamim Dahari Abdul Razak, according to Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Fadil Marsus.
Comm Datuk Fadil said more than 100 police reports were lodged, and intelligence assessments led authorities to deny permission for the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship rally outside Sogo Kuala Lumpur.
“Following security considerations and intelligence assessments, police did not grant permission for the assembly. We also received a total of 131 police reports in relation to this gathering.
“At about 8pm on Saturday, police detected approximately 100 individuals who had assembled in front of Sogo demanding action over alleged encroachment involving the construction of an illegal temple and a place of worship built without approval.
“As a result, police detained 19 individuals believed to be participants of the assembly — 15 men and four women, all locals aged between 30 and 64,” he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters on Sunday.
Comm Fadil also confirmed that security concerns linked to the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi influenced the decision to deny permission for the rally.
He rejected claims that police were targeting only one group over the issue.
“At the same time, three men were arrested in Klang after uploading several TikTok videos. We take action against both sides. Investigations will be conducted simultaneously as the matters are linked.
“I want to stress that maintaining public peace and harmony is a shared responsibility. If there are issues involving the construction of illegal temples, police will cooperate fully when court orders are issued, and we will not hesitate to act in accordance with the law.
“Any attempt to exploit race, religion and royalty (3R) issues will be investigated, and stern action will be taken against any individual or group that incites disorder or extreme provocation,” he added.
