Kedah wants developer to fix ‘cross-like shape’ on rooftops

Housing Exco, Tajul Urus Mat Zain says this is a "sensitive issue of a religious nature" and the "property developer should ensure it is rectified".

ALOR SETAR: The latest in surreal Malaysia continues with the Kedah state government requesting that a commercial developer “fix” the roof on one of its developments in Langkawi because a snapshot taken showed a shape similar to that of the Christian symbol of a cross on the rooftops.

Some commentators have attributed the cross-like shape to the angle at which the photo was taken, whilst others have derided it as a covert attempt at proselytisation.

According to a report by Sinar Online, Housing Exco, Tajul Urus Mat Zain said that they viewed the issue seriously and hoped that the property developer would give its cooperation in rectifying this. He added that the state would actively monitor the “problem”.

He said, “I request that the relevant property development company look into this problem so that the cross-like shape will no longer be seen on the roof of the houses.”

Speaking to Sinar Harian today, he added, “I do not want this matter prolonged because it is a sensitive issue of a religious nature. The property developer should ensure it is rectified.”

The photo, gone viral since its debut on December 22, has drawn support and brickbats from Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and shared 1,331 times.

Facebook user Izzul Aiman wrote, “Don’t take such things lightly. For if it is taken lightly, our faith and piety as servants of Allah can be threatened. Remember, the kafirs (heathens) will use the most subtle of methods to ensure we, as Muslims, stray from the path that Allah The Most Merciful has set for us…”

Writing under the pseudonym ‘Amin Takesah’, he/she said, “I’m a Muslim. Look carefully… it is the camera angle that makes it look like that… don’t be so ‘anti’ everything… pity my Christian friends… Muslims should not be so narrow-minded”.

User Angela Salnie wrote: “There’s always someone like this trying to split the races, don’t be so easily duped by such stupid matters… it just creates quarrels.”