Cabinet to Review Rawang Temple Demolition as Home Minister Directs Police to Present Full Facts
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 12 — The Rawang temple demolition is set to be raised at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting, with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirming that police have been instructed to prepare a comprehensive briefing to help ease mounting public tension.
The minister said law enforcement authorities must provide a clear and factual account of the incident following the destruction of a Hindu temple in Selangor by a group of individuals believed to have acted without official authority.
Speaking at the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly today, Saifuddin urged Malaysians not to be swayed by unverified information circulating online, warning that emotionally charged narratives could further inflame an already sensitive situation.
“I call on the public not to be influenced by unverified reports and divisive narratives driven by sentiment. Such information spreads quickly, but controlling the damage is far more difficult,” he said.
He added that the Inspector-General of Police and the Special Branch have been tasked with compiling all relevant details so that Cabinet members can be presented with an accurate picture of what transpired.
“I have directed the IGP and Special Branch to prepare the real facts of the case so that together we can calm the tension,” he said, expressing confidence in the police as the primary enforcement authority to manage the matter.
Arrests Made, Investigation Underway
Earlier today, police confirmed the arrest of four men aged between 26 and 39 in connection with the alleged trespass and demolition. The incident reportedly followed a complaint from a local resident regarding the temple’s status.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said parts of the structure were torn down without prior engagement with local authorities or affected parties. A backhoe believed to have been used in the demolition was seized during the investigation.
Authorities have opened investigation papers under Sections 427, 295, 504 and 447 of the Penal Code, covering offences related to mischief, damage to places of worship, intentional insult and criminal trespass.
A Sensitive Issue Amid Heightened Debate
The Rawang incident comes amid heightened debate in recent weeks over several Hindu temples said to have been built on private land without formal approval. Online campaigns calling for enforcement action have gained traction, with critics alleging that some rhetoric is rooted more in racial sentiment than regulatory concerns.
Saifuddin acknowledged that matters involving religion are inherently sensitive and require careful handling.
“Issues involving faith are emotive. When misinformation spreads without regard for peace and harmony, the responsibility of the police becomes even more critical to prevent provocation,” he said during a media conference after the assembly.
With Cabinet expected to deliberate on the matter, the government appears intent on containing potential fallout by ensuring that decisions are based on verified facts rather than speculation.
The coming days will likely determine whether the incident is treated purely as a law enforcement issue or evolves into a broader discussion about land administration, interfaith sensitivities and the role of public communication in maintaining social stability.
-wilayah.com.my
