Police nab suspect who vandalised church statues
Police have detained a suspect who allegedly desecrated statues in St Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam.
According to Central Seberang Perai police chief Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid, the suspect was detained at the Sungai...
Police have detained a suspect who allegedly desecrated statues in St Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam.
According to Central Seberang Perai police chief Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid, the suspect was detained at the Sungai Buloh Hospital psychiatric ward today.
Nik Ros Azhan said the 34-year-old suspect was taken to the hospital by his family.
"At 4.30pm today, our investigating officer and detective went to Sungai Buloh Hospital to meet with the family and detain the suspect," Nik Ros Azhan told Malaysiakini.
"Based on public information, we obtained the registration number of the motorcycle used by the suspect. The motorcycle belongs to the suspect's 43-year-old brother."
Nik Ros Azhan also confirmed that the suspect's wife, an office manager, had lodged a report yesterday night, claiming her husband was mentally ill.
She also reported that he had acted aggressively towards her and needed medical treatment.
"Her husband had beaten her up and she lodged the report asking the police to help send him for psychiatric treatment," Nik Ros Azhan said.
The suspect first entered the church complex on Wednesday evening where he allegedly sprayed "X" on the statues with black paint.
After the security guard stopped him in his act, the suspect asked for a pen and paper and he scribbled a verse from the Bible, which is related to idol worshipping.
The guard described the man as "angry" after he hurriedly left on his motorcycle.
The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief, which carries a maximum five-year jail or fine, or both, if convicted.
The St Anne's Church is known for its annual pilgrimage activities where thousands would visit in July to make their petitions.
Declared as a minor basilica on Sept 5, the church was founded in 1846 by French missionaries to honour Saint Anne, the mother of Mary, who is Jesus’ grandmother.
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