Resort owner in surau uproar now released

(Bernama) - A holiday resort owner in Sedili Besar, near Kota Tinggi, who was arrested since Tuesday to facilitate the investigation into him allowing the resort's surau to be used for a Buddhist religious ceremony, was released on police bail today.

The police said the investigation papers of the case was being finalised before submitting it to the public prosecutor for action.

"We are also waiting for further directive from the public prosecutor while at the same time, monitoring all activities and public reaction pertaining to the case," said Johor deputy police chief Datuk Ismail Yatim.

Ismail, who heads the team formed to investigate the case, also confirmed that a small fire outbreak occurred at a storeroom at the resort.

He said the initial investigation showed no criminal element involved but the police forensic team and a fire and rescue team were thoroughly investigating the fire incident.

"We advise all parties not to be worried about the case as it is under police control, and to let the full investigation be carried out by the law enforcement authorities and the Johor Islamic Religious Department for further action," he added.

The resort owner's action had reportedly caused a furore among the fishing community in Sedili Besar after it was discovered by a resort visitor who wanted to perform his Asar prayers at the surau last Saturday.

Following the incident, the 45-year-old resort owner, who is a Singaporean with permanent resident status in Malaysia, was arrested for four days to assist in the investigation.