Penang police have opened investigation papers over Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's statement to non-Muslims in the state on the issue of the use of the word 'Allah'.

State police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi ( left ) said the matter was being  investigated under the Police Enquiry Papers after police received a report on Lim's statement on Sunday.

"So far, there is only one police report lodged over the chief minister's statement, and let police investigate. We may call some people to assist in the investigation."

Abdul Rahim said this when met after launching the northeast district police headquarters' crime-prevention drive.

On Sunday, Bukit Mertajam Umno division Youth lodged a report at the Seberang Perai Tengah district police headquarters in Bandar Perda, near Georgetown, over Lim's statement on the kalimah 'Allah' issue, regarding it as Lim's interference in Islamic affairs.

He was quoted as saying that the prohibition on the use of the "Allah" wordas spelt out in the Penang Islamic Administration Enactment 2004 was not applicable to non-Muslims as the enactment's enforcement was only for Muslims.

Yesterday, Lim explained he was merely stating the law that fatwas only applied to Muslims.

The chief minister blasted the home minister for implying the state government was attempting to interfere with Penang's Islamic affairs, saying the latter should train his guns at MCA instead.

- Bernama