Second religious building catches fire in Batu Pahat

Another house of worship in Batu Pahat, Johor caught fire following a similar incident that occurred over the weekend.

Surau Ar-Raudah in Parit Bangas Sri Medan became the second house of worship in the district where a fire broke out after the incident involving Kampung Parit Simis Darat Mosque on Sunday.

Batu Pahat district police chief Ismail Dollah said no casualties were reported in last night’s incident.

He said a team from the Sri Medan Police Station went to the scene after being alerted about the fire at about 11.55pm.

“Preliminary investigations found that the incident occurred at around 10pm and was noticed by a resident who happened to pass through the area.

“The fire was successfully extinguished 15 minutes later with the help of nearby residents. Upon inspection, it was found that part of the carpet, two air conditioners, furniture and wiring system were destroyed.

“The forensic team from the fire department also went to the scene to assist in the investigation. This is the second fire incident in a row involving a mosque and surau in Sri Medan,” he said in a statement today.

The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code.

He also urged the public with information about the incident to contact the nearest police station or Sri Medan Police Station chief at 07-4850222.

50pct damage

In the first incident on Sunday, the Kampung Parit Simis Darat Mosque suffered 50 percent damage when it caught fire at about 10.50pm.

State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairperson Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the Johor Islamic Religious Council would help to cover the repair costs.

“Thankfully, no one was injured in both incidents. If these were foul play, may those responsible be brought to justice,” he said on Facebook.

- Bernama