The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Dengkil, Selangor, which has been at the centre of an ongoing dispute, was allegedly targeted in a supposed arson attack in broad daylight yesterday.
In a Facebook post last night, activist Arun Dorasamy asserted that the perpetrator behind the alleged attack is believed to have set on fire a thick stack of papers to burn down the temple’s store room’s wooden door.
The store, he said, houses essential equipment, including a generator set and other items estimated to be worth between RM20,000 and RM30,000.
“However, the fire failed to spread. The heat caused a plastic pipe at the bottom of the door to melt, allowing water to flow out and help extinguish the fire before it could intensify,” he added.
Arun, who represents the NGO Temple Preservation Action Team (Tepat), further stated that the incident could have resulted in significant damage and serious safety risks had the fire spread into the store.
“Any attempt to damage or threaten a house of worship is a serious offence and undermines the harmony of this country’s multiracial society.
“We call on all parties to remain calm and allow the authorities space to conduct a professional investigation,” he urged.
According to a police report filed at the Sepang district police headquarters by the temple’s chairperson early this morning, remnants of the fire were first detected at around 5.30pm yesterday.
While M Paramaguru claimed the fire had damaged a store room, kitchen, and toilet area, he said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, adding that the incident has caused him fear and distress.
Alleged criminal trespass
Earlier this month, Paramaguru claimed trial before the Sepang Magistrate’s Court on a criminal trespass charge, where he was accused of entering land belonging to Suhaili Ahmad without permission.
The charge was framed under Section 447 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment of six months, a fine of up to RM3,000, or both.
Suhaili, the owner of the land on which the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple sits, previously denied that a temple structure existed when he acquired the land.
He told Malaysiakini that there was only a “temple on wheels” parked there, with no permanent structures on the site, noting that had he known there was a temple occupying the land, he would not have purchased the plot “even if it cost 10 sen”.
His assertions came after the temple denied claims that it is “illegal”, insisting it has been ready to relocate for years.
The temple, however, argued that the Selangor government had never completed the paperwork to formalise replacement land allocated in 1997.
Earlier this week, Arun questioned the authorities’ alleged “double standards” regarding enforcement against those who attempt to demolish unauthorised houses of worship, asking if similar measures would also be taken if mosques or suraus were involved.
Arun said this in comparing self-proclaimed activist Tamim Dahri, who attempted to demolish a Hindu temple in Rawang Perdana on Feb 11, and temple committee members who have faced threats of eviction and charges for trespassing.
Allegation of religious insult
On a similar matter, lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan confirmed that a police report was filed at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters today against a video depicting the demolition of the Sri Utchimalai Temple in Rawang.
In the report, it was claimed that the video showed individuals stepping on what was believed to be the moolasthaanam, which is considered the most sacred space in a Hindu temple as it houses the principal deity or divine symbol.
As such, Rajesh said any act of stepping on or desecrating the sacred space is not merely disrespectful, but also carries serious implications of religious insult.
“The conduct captured in the video has caused deep anger and a profound sense of hurt among members of the Hindu community.
“In a plural society such as Malaysia, such actions have the potential to flame inter-religious and inter-communal tensions if not addressed promptly, firmly, and transparently,” he added in a statement today.
Rajesh also urged authorities to formally investigate the incident, identify those involved, and take firm action under the relevant laws without compromise.
The management of the temple in question previously filed a suit in the Shah Alam Magistrate Court over the place of worship’s alleged unlawful demolition.
The demolition was said to have taken place on Feb 25 after its committee relocated statues of deities following an agreement with landowner Yayasan Kubra and the authorities.
According to Yayasan Kubra’s representatives, the temple committee had removed the deities and other items just before their agreed 14-day deadline expired at midnight.
Lawyers for the temple’s management, however, disputed claims that the temple management had voluntarily vacated the site. - Mkini
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