The abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh has raised concerns of worrying escalation of violence against people of faith in the country, said Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST).

"MCCBCHST is deeply concerned by the abduction and continued disappearance of Koh of Harapan Komuniti, a Christian outreach group that works with society’s marginalised communities in Petaling Jaya.

"The news of his abduction have fanned fears across all religious divides in Malaysian society, as it is unprecedented for a man of faith to be abducted in this way in our peaceful multicultural country," said the council in a statement today.

"Many of our members regard this abduction as a worrying escalation of violence against people of faith in Malaysia, which may have negative repercussions on the interfaith goodwill and harmony that our country enjoys and is rightfully proud of," it added.