Temple chairman in viral video nabbed for criminal intimidation

Police have arrested the chairman of a temple management committee for alleged criminal intimidation against his predecessor and the latter’s wife at a public car park as shown in video footage that went viral on social media.

Petaling Jaya police chief ACP Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said that the 41-year-old suspect was detained at Sea Park, Petaling Jaya around 3 am yesterday (Wednesday) and police also seized two firearms along with 15 rounds of ammunition from the suspect’s office in Balakong, Cheras on the same day.

Prior to that, on Tuesday, he said, a woman lodged a police report claiming that a male acquaintance threatened her husband and herself in an incident at about 5.30 pm.

“Early investigation revealed that there was a misunderstanding between the suspect who is the new chairman and her husband who was the former chairman involving a power struggle in the management of the temple located in Sea Park,” he said in a statement, here, today.

Earlier, the woman’s husband (the former chairman) had lodged two police reports regarding the power struggle at the Sea Park police station on Aug 13.

An investigation also showed that the suspect possessed a valid firearm licence issued by the Kajang police headquarters.

Nik Ezanee explained that the suspect was remanded for a day under Section 506 of the Penal Code but has been released on police bail as the remand period has expired.

“The firearms seized remained in police custody,” he said.

He also said that the police are still investigating both arguing parties to ascertain the involvement of ‘Gang 21’ and ‘Gang '04' in the dispute.

“If proven, preventive actions will follow. We will complete the investigation paper and submit it to the public prosecutor soon,” he explained.

In the meantime, Nik Ezanee suggested that the suspect’s firearm licence approval should be reviewed for the public interest and safety.

Earlier, a video recording of a quarrel between a man and a couple at a parking lot opposite the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters went viral, involving an alleged threat which has caused fear to the couple.

-- BERNAMA