POLICE are searching for a man who defaced religious statues at the popular St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Seberang Prai Central police chief Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said the incident occurred yesterday and was reported by the church’s security manager, who was told by a worker on the grounds at around 4.45pm that a man was spraying black paint on several religious statues inside and outside the church.

“The suspect became angry when confronted, asking for a pen and wrote several verses from the Bible on a piece of paper that he had with him,” Nik Ros Azhar told The Malaysian Insight.

The suspect, described as an Indian man, left the church on a motorcycle after the incident.

Nik Ros Azhar said the case is being investigated for causing mischief resulting in loss or damage to the amount of RM25 or upwards.

The losses faced by the church amounts to around RM200 for the damages to the statues and floor.

Police have so far recorded a statement from the security manager and witnesses, in addition to visiting the church.

St Anne’s Church is among the oldest churches in Malaysia, built in the 1800s, and is also a major tourist attraction in Penang. – December 5, 2019.