MBPJ explains visit to BSM HQ

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has said it is standard procedure to collect information on a building where a controversy arises. 

 

Referring to the attempted visit by two MBPJ personnel at the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) headquarters at Damansara Kim today, deputy mayor Puasa Md Taib said his men were not there on enforcement duties, as claimed by some.

 

"We only wanted to update MBPJ's record so that if the state government asks about the building we will have the information," he told a press conference at the MBPJ headquarters this afternoon.

 

He added that BSM's building was raised yesterday at a meeting between the mayor and head of departments where it was found out that MBPJ's information on BSM was incomplete.

 

Therefore, he said two officers were instructed by the Building Control Division director to update the local council's information on BSM.

 

However, Puasa conceded that in light of the sensitive situation, MBPJ should have informed BSM before hand.

Meeting sought

 

Two MBPJ personnel had tried to enter BSM's premises this morning but they were turned away on grounds that there was no prior notice.
 

Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, who was also at the press conference, added that there was no ill intent on the part of MBPJ.

 

"In my meeting with the Building Control Division and deputy mayor, they informed me that it is MBPJ's standard operating procedure to update their information on any building when a controversy arises.

 

"This is so they will have enoungh information when the state government enquires," he said.

 

"On behalf on MBPJ, I apologise for the misunderstanding that has occured," he said.

Pua said his colleague, Damansara Utama state assemblyperson Yeo Bee Yin had reached out to BSM over the incident and she will broker a meeting between MBPJ and BSM soon.

 

"We hope for a more friendly and sensitive process given the current temperature hence we hope to invite BSM for a meeting to resolve the misunderstanding," he said.

 

Elaborating on the incident this morning, MBPJ Building Control Division deputy director Ismathinoon Abdul Rahman said the officers were two women in their 20s and 50s did not have any ill intent against BSM.

'Prior notice is optional'

 

He added that they did not breach any SOP during the visit.

 

"Prior notice is optional and it is normal procedure for officers to inspect sites so long as they have their authorisation card - it is not an issue," he said.

 

Asked whether the inspection was requested by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais), Puasa denied this.

 

"They (Jais) can request for the information but thus far they have not," he said, adding that the Menteri Besar, state secretary, excos and even journalists can ask for them.

 

He added that the inspection had nothing to do whether BSM were in possession of Bibles using the word "Allah".

 

"Bibles are not within our jurisdiction," he said.