KOTA KINABALU: Five secondary school students in Penampang have been detained in connection with the desecration of a Christian prayer site in the district.
The boys, aged 13 to 16, were nabbed around Putatan near here on Wednesday (July 15), Penampang OCPD Supt Sammy Newton said in a statement.
Initial investigations found that the suspects had no intention of insulting any religion but were focused on vandalism and destruction, he added.
He said they will be investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief causing damage to property, and Section 295 for damaging, destroying, or defiling any place of worship or sacred object.
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Supt Sammy said the matter would be investigated thoroughly and urged the public to stop spreading videos of the incident or the suspects as it would disrupt the investigation.
He also advised people to refrain from speculating about the incident.
"We thank the public for sharing information which led to the solving of this case," he added.
It was reported that a prayer hut at Sinundu Hill in Penampang had been vandalised, with statues and a crucifix being torn down and smashed, among other damage.
According to area residents, one boy tried to stop his friends from causing more damage as he was afraid someone might catch them in the act, but they did not stop.
