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New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Man armed with machetes, metal cutter damages Hindu temple

AMPANG JAYA: An unemployed man has been arrested for damaging a Hindu temple in Taman Sri Ampang here. District police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azam Ismail said police received a report on the incident today. "The complainant, a 34-year-old man who is the temple committee secretary, claimed that he saw CCTV footage of an unknown man entering the temple and leaving shortly after about 6am. "At 8.29am, the complainant saw the same individual entering the temple carrying a hammer, a metal cutter, two machetes and a keris." He said the suspect allegedly damaged a trishula, a three-pronged weapon with significant symbolism in Hinduism. He said the complainant claimed he rushed to the temple, but was chased away by the suspect, who brandished a machete and allegedly threatened to decapitate him. "The complainant called the police for assistance. A police patrol arrived at 8.38am and arrested the suspect. "The suspect has been identified as a 33-year-old unemployed man who has no prior record." He said the suspect tested positive for methamphetamines and amphetamines. He said police seized a hammer, a bolt cutter, a bag, two machetes, a keris and a motorcycle. "The suspect is believed to have been high at the time of the incident. He claims he heard voices. "The suspect is expected to be produced at the Ampang Jaya magistrate's court tomorrow to obtain a remand order. "We have opened investigations under Section 295 and Section 506 of the Penal Code for destroying, damaging or defiling places of worship or sacred objects with the intent to insult a religious group and criminal intimidation." Under Section 295 of the code, offenders face up to two years in jail or a fine or both. Under Section 506 of the code, offenders face up to seven years in jail or a fine or both. Azam said police were also investigating the case under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive, Explosive Subtances and Dangerous Weapons Act, which carries up to two years in jail upon conviction.