An unemployed man was today fined RM3,000, in default three months' jail, by the Sessions Court in Bukit Mertajam today for damaging two statues and several praying paraphernalia at a temple in Bukit Mertajam two weeks ago.

Judge M Vijayalakshmi handed down the sentence on Mohd Firdaus Said, 29, after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Mohd Firdaus was charged with damaging the statues and praying paraphernalia with intent to insult Buddhism at the Wat Chantararam Thai Buddhist Temple at Jalan Tanah Liat, Bukit Mertajam at 10.10am last Jan 2.

The charge, under Section 295 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum

imprisonment for two years or fine or both, upon conviction.

The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutor Lim Saw Kim.

- Bernama