Police Arrest Man with Suspected Mental Health Issues Over Islamic Writings at Temple in Melaka

A 39-year-old man believed to be experiencing mental health issues has been arrested after allegedly inscribing the words “Allah” and “Bismillahirrahmanirrahim” at a temple site in Pantai Siring, Jasin, Melaka.

Jasin police chief Lee Robert said the suspect was arrested at around 2 PM on Thursday (9 April). He was later released on police bail, with the case to be handed over to the deputy public prosecutor for further review.

Temple demolished

Meanwhile, Serkam assemblyman Datuk Zaidi Attan confirmed that the temple, which stood on government reserve land, was demolished today after all religious artefacts were cleared from the site.

Zaidi said the decision followed a meeting yesterday involving representatives of the landowner, the structure’s owner and relevant authorities. The demolition was carried out in the presence of officials from the Jasin district office, the police, the Public Works Department and several other agencies.

The shrine was situated within a mangrove area near the coastline, adjacent to privately owned fenced land. Although it is believed to have been erected between two and three years ago, the Islamic inscriptions were only noticed on Wednesday after a fisherman discovered them.

Jasin district police chief Supt Lee Robert said initial information received from residents indicated that they had previously seen a man believed to be mentally unstable scribbling the words ‘Allah’ on walls and electricity poles.