Cops arrest temple committee chair over threat caught on viral video

A Petaling Jaya temple committee chairperson has been arrested for allegedly threatening two people during an argument over a temple management dispute which was captured on a viral video.

Petaling Jaya police chief Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said in a statement today that the suspect was detained around 3.15am yesterday (Wed). He revealed that two police reports were previously lodged against the suspect on Thursday (Aug 13).

“On Aug 18, a woman had in her report claimed she was threatened by the suspect at the parking lot across the Petaling Jaya police headquarters. The suspect at the time was also quarrelling with the woman’s husband.

“During the argument, the suspect issued threats in Tamil which had caused fear in both the woman and her husband,” said Nik Ezanee.

According to the police chief, the two earlier reports were lodged by the woman's husband who was the previous chairperson of the temple committee in Sea Park, Petaling Jaya.

Following the arrest, police also seized two firearms from the suspect’s office in Balakong, Cheras around 11.30pm yesterday.

Initial investigations also showed that the suspect possessed a valid firearm licence issued by the Kajang police headquarters, which Nik Ezanee suggested should be reviewed for safety and public interest.

A check found that the suspect indeed had a valid firearm license issued by the Kajang IPD.

The suspect was remanded for a day for investigations under Section 506 of the Penal Code but has been released on police bail as the remand period had expired.

"The two pistols seized are still in police custody," Nik Ezanee said.

He added that the investigations between the two parties include claims of the possible involvement of criminal gangs, Gang 21 and Gang 04, in the dispute.

"If it is proven, preventive measures will follow. We will complete the investigation paper and refer it to the public prosecutor in the near future," he added. - Mkini