Send temple vandals straight to jail, MP tells govt

 Batu MP P Prabakaran says such cases should not be ‘complicated’ by bail or fines.

Batu MP P Prabakaran said the authorities must take much sterner action against those who desecrate houses of worship.

KUALA LUMPUR:

An MP has suggested that the authorities immediately jail anyone found to have desecrated a house of worship instead of fining them.

While debating the 2027 budget in the Dewan Rakyat, P Prabakaran (PH-Batu) highlighted a recent case in which religious statues were destroyed at a temple near the New Pantai Expressway.

Prabakaran said the authorities must take much sterner action against those who desecrate houses of worship.

“Don’t allow bail or take any other actions that will complicate the situation. Straight to jail. This is my suggestion to the government,” he said.

Desecrating a place of worship with the intention of insulting a religion is punishable under Section 295 of the Penal Code with imprisonment of up to two years, a fine or both.

When contacted by FMT, Prabakaran said to maintain public peace, fines should be abolished in favour of imprisonment under this section for offences related to insulting religion. - FMT