JASIN: The Melaka government has ordered the demolition of a controversial shrine-like structure on Jalan Jeti Anjung Batu–Pantai Siring in Serkam.
Melaka education, higher education and religious affairs committee chairman Rahmad Mariman said the relevant authorities would convene at the site at 2.30pm on Thursday (April 9) to oversee the demolition.
He clarified that the owner of the land on which the structure stands was not associated with any deviant teachings.
"The structure will be demolished immediately by the landowner, and the operation will be led by Serkam assemblyman Zaidi Attan," he said on Thursday.
Rahmad also dismissed speculation that the structure was connected to certain deviant religious practices in the state, as had been circulating online.
"There is no link to deviant teachings. However, I have requested the Melaka Islamic Religious Affairs Department and the police to investigate the matter," he added.
The structure had earlier alarmed villagers, prompting them to lodge reports with the authorities.
The controversial discovery was made by a group of fishermen on Wednesday night (April 8). Rahmad rushed to the site at about 11.30pm to verify the shrine's existence.
Initial inspections found that the stone-built structure was located within a mangrove forest area facing the coast, near a fenced plot of privately owned land.
Authorities believe the structure may have existed for two to three years.
