Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan said that the police were investigating three cases of arson at churches in the Klang Valley.

NONE He said that the three churches were the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati ( left ), the Assumption Church in Jalan Templer, Petaling Jaya and Life Chapel, also in Petaling Jaya.

"Police personnel would also patrol churches throughout the country, especially in the Klang Valley, to prevent any untoward incidents," he told a press conference today.

He also warned people against holding rallies after Friday prayers today against a court decision which allowed a Catholic publication to use the term "Allah".

Lone motorcyclists involved

Musa meanwhile said that the attacks on the three churches were done by unidentified persons on motorcycles.

NONE He said it was unsure whether the attacks were committed by the same group or individuals but added that the police have identified one suspect based on a description given by a guard at the Metro Tabernacle church.

He said that the attack at the Metro Tabernacle church happened at midnight. He added that the guard saw a person on motorcycle throwing a helmet filled petrol through the window of the church.

In the second case at the PJ Assumption Church, Musa said the incident happened at about 4am when there were people praying inside the church. Once again a lone motorist had hurled a Molotov cocktail into the church but it didn't explode.

Musa said a single person was also responsible for throwing three Molotov cocktails at the Life Chapel in Petaling Jaya at about 9am. Damansara, at 9am. These cocktails had hit the hall and window but did not explode.

The police chief said that the attacks were not well-planned and coordinated, adding that the attacks were being investigated under Section 245 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum punishment of five years imprisonment.

"I don't think it is a planned action. They just got on their motorcycles and threw the bombs.

"It's not a planned thing. These are very emotional people. The modus operandi is different.

"At one church, helmets filled with petrol were thrown and at another bottles filled with kerosene were thrown," he repeated.

'Everyone is safe'

Meanwhile Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, in the same press conference, gave his assurance that everyone in Malaysia is safe.

"I assure not only the minorities but everyone in Malaysia that they are safe. The issue of race and religion is always sensitive and not something new in Malaysia.

NONE "We know the signs, signal and warning after the court made its decision. We have been monitoring it," he said.

He added that the government will engage Christian and Muslim religious leaders to find an amicable solution.

Hishammuddin also warned the demonstrators at the mosques today that the government will use every means necessary to ensure the national security, including the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

"I will use everything that is necessary to make sure that the country is safe," he said when asked whether the ISA will used to incarcerate the demonstrators.

"ISA is not personal and political, but it is for security," said Hishammuddin.

However, the Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) is against the use of the preventive detention law against the arsonists.

“Instead, proper investigation should be take place immediately. The use of the ISA and any other detention without trial will not resolve the real problem; it will only cause more fear and insecurity among the citizens in Malaysia.”

Movement secretary E Nalini said that those arrested should be brought to trial.

“GMI recognises that irresponsible individuals and groups have and may further resort to violence, and that this might lead to chaos in the country. We understand the need to be tough against criminals.”

But she argued that using ISA would “blatantly circumvents the rule of law”.