State No. 1 cop says no indication brick-throwing incident related to religious extremism
KUCHING: The police believe the stone-throwing incident at a church in Miri on Sunday was not perpetrated by religious extremists, but rather an act by mischievous youngsters.
SITUATION UNDER CONTROL: Mohmad speaking to reporters after the monthly parade.
Sarawak Commissioner of Police Datuk Mohmad Salleh said initial investigations indicated there was no element of extremism behind the incident, and that it was more likely the work of “naughty kids” taking advantage of what had transpired in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Investigations into the incident are still ongoing. The CID and Special Branch are looking to track down those responsible and indications point to several naughty kids committing the act,” said Mohmad after a monthly parade at state police headquarters here yesterday.
He added that the situation in the state was safe and under control, with no further reports of churches being targeted following the window-smashing incident at the Anglican Good Shepherd Church in Lutong, Miri which was investigated under Section 295 of the Penal Code for desecration of a place of worship.
The police have also intensified patrols at churches and mosques throughout the state, with each district police chief being told to make available their contact numbers to church and mosque officials to facilitate communication in the event something untoward happens.
“I hope that the public, regardless whether they are Christians or Muslims, can remain calm and patient and not be too emotional over the issue at hand,” Mohmad added.
Meanwhile, in Sibu, the district acting police chief Supt Zamani Hamdan said the police here were monitoring the situation closely.
He said they had enough men on the ground and they were on the alert round the clock.
“We smell no trouble. In fact, the people here are peaceful and they treasure living closely together,” he said to reporters yesterday.
He said the police were also looking out for SMS that could threaten peace and found none.
He said their CID men and officers from the Special Branch, backed up by the personnel from other departments, were merging into the crowd.
Zamani advised the people to call the police should they happen to sense any trouble.
“We shall treat the matter seriously. The people can even call me,” he added.
He said the people could also call their control centre on 084-322222.