Kuala Lumpur police chief Mustafa Abdullah today warned rumour mongers to stop spreading news of possible unrest in the city over the tussle regarding the remains of Mount Everest climber, M Moorthy.

"Do not listen to these rumours, and those spreading the rumours should stop," he said when contacted.

"The situation is under control, don't create havoc and the police will not hesitate to take action against those who spread such rumours," he added.

The rumours began circulating after hundreds of people gathered outside Hospital Kuala Lumpur's forensics unit this morning.

They had gathered there after the Syariah High Court yesterday ordered that the remains be released to Federal Territory Islamic Council (MAIWP) and be buried according to Islamic rites.

The situation, according to those present, had been 'tensed'.

Moorthy, 36, a former army commando, who had become paralysed, died on Tuesday at the hospital. He was admitted after falling from his wheelchair while on the way to visit a friend.

His family, who claim to be in the dark over Moorthy's conversion to Islam, want to give him a Hindu funeral. They have since filed a civil suit.

Stay calm

Meanwhile, Federal Territories Islamic Department (Jawi) director Che Mat Che Ali, who was at the hospital this morning, said the people should remain calm.

"Tensions did run high this morning. There were a lot of people there, but the issue should not be blown out of proportion," he added when contacted.

Similarly, Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) president A Vaithilingam also advised the public against getting carried away with the issue.

"Stay cool and calm," he said when asked to comment on the incident.

MHS national secretary S Paramsothi dispelled the possibility of any unrest.

"I don't think there will be any unrest. We are peaceful people. The Indian people have always supported the government and we will show our feelings through peaceful means," he said.