Penang mosque chairman files police report after incident involving woman goes viral

 

GEORGETOWN: The chairman of Masjid Jamek Ar-Rahman committee here has called for calm and says that the recent incident at the mosque involving a woman, who is said to be suffering from mental health issues, is being handled by police. — NSTP FILE PIC

BATU FERRINGHI: The chairman of Masjid Jamek Ar-Rahman committee here has called for calm and says that the recent incident at the mosque involving a woman, who is said to be suffering from mental health issues, is being handled by police.

"I hope the public will not take matters into their own hands regarding the incident that occurred at this mosque a few days ago.

"A police report has been lodged, and the woman's relatives have also contacted us. So, we are leaving this matter to the police for further action," said mosque committee chairman Ismail Din

He was responding to viral videos showing a woman entering the men's prayer area and asking those inside what was deemed impolite questions.

Ismail explained that during the incident, which occurred around 10pm on March 12, the woman, who was not properly dressed, had previously informed a congregation member that the muezzin and imam's voices were too loud and disturbing the neighbourhood.

"The woman came alone and coincidentally, at that time, most of the congregation had almost finished praying.

"Initially, I did not want to prolong the matter, but when the incident went viral on social media, the management of the mosque had to lodge a police report to prevent similar incidents from happening," he said today (March 17).

Ismail further commented that this was the third time the woman had complained about the voices of the muezzin and imam.

Previously, she had sent a letter to the management of the mosque, claiming that the azan was disturbing her sleep.

"No police report was lodged at that time and we ensured that the use of loudspeakers did not disturb the neighbourhood.

"However, on the day of the incident, we found out that the woman seemed to have mental health issues.

"That's why no police report was made until it went viral on social media," he said.

According to Ismail, he was also contacted by the woman's sister, who confirmed that her sister did suffer from mental health issues after returning from abroad.

"The woman claimed that her sister used to be devout and often sponsored individuals to perform the umrah. She then settled in London before experiencing mental health issues upon returning home.

"For this incident, I hope the public will not take matters into their own hands and remain calm and leave it to the police.

"We have no further comment or action. We plan to hold a meeting so she can apologise and reconcile with both sides.

"We understand that she is 'unwell' and do not want it to escalate, so let the authorities handle this matter," he said.

Northeast police chief Assistant Commissioner Razlam Ab Hamid confirmed receiving a report on the incident.

"The report was filed on March 15 at the Batu Ferringhi police station, and an investigation is being conducted under Section 298A of the Penal Code," he said when contacted here. - NST