IGP: We cannot cordon off a place of worship

The police cannot prevent the public from visiting a place of worship, said inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

He was explaining the reason for not cordoning off the area in which the Sri Maha Mariamman temple is located.

The temple and its surrounding areas in Subang Jaya have witnessed two violent riots in a span of 24 hours, with this morning's incident leaving a fireman battling for his life.

"Many have asked me, why aren't we closing the roads leading to the temple. I said we cannot (close the roads) because it will further inconvenience the people.

"We will continue to guard the area. I have advised against holding gatherings (in the area). We cannot stop people from performing their prayers," said Fuzi.

The police chief added that the roads would be closed if there is "a need to do so (kalau ada keperluan)".

Fuzi was speaking to reporters after visiting Fire and Rescue Department personnel Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim at a private hospital in Subang Jaya this evening.

The 24-year-old medical personnel was dragged out of his vehicle and assaulted when his team responded to a distress call.

Muhammad Adib is in the intensive care unit after his lungs and intestines sustained punctures.

There have been two riots over two consecutive nights near the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya. 

Troubles began on the wee hours of Monday morning after a group of masked intruders attacked the temple and held some of its caretakers hostage. 

A riot broke out later which saw various vehicles being torched and several of the intruders seriously injured.

Last night, several thousand gathered near the temple to show support. They were initially peaceful but riots soon broke out.

Apart from attacking the Fire and Rescue Department personnel, the rioters also attacked the office of MCT Bhd, which was located nearby. 

MCT Bhd were the former owners of One City Development Bhd, the company that is currently trying to seize the land where the temple is located.  - Mkini