THE scuffle at the Seafield Hindu temple in Subang Jaya, Selangor early today was not a racial clash, although the attack may have been carried out by Malays, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Rashid Ibrahim.

He said a preliminary investigation found that the incident was believed to be due to the acquisition of land in the area that was said to have been done “in an unpleasant manner” between the landowner and the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

“Perhaps the side wanting to take over (the land) engaged a group of Malay men to facilitate the acquisition. It is possible that they are gangsters and, of course, the Indian group attempted to check the intrusion.

“I have to clarify because it is a sensitive issue and I do not want anyone to take advantage (of the situation). There is no issue of a racial clash,” he said.

Noor Rashid spoke to reporters after the presentation of the Pingat Jasa Negara 2018 awards to 34 senior officers and 310 lower rank policemen. The event was also attended by Kelantan Police chief  Hasanuddin Hassan.

He said the incident occurred about 2.15am after a group of about 50 men, believed to be Malays, intruded into the temple and this was realised by several Indian caretakers.

The caretakers contacted their friends and informed them of the intrusion, resulting in about 200 Indian men rushing there and cordoning off the temple, he said.

“During the siege, the police arrived at the scene. The intruders attempted to flee and a clash erupted between the two groups. As a result, three men were injured while several vehicles were reportedly torched,” he said.

Noor Rashid said the police will open an investigation into the incident, involving intrusion of the temple and the violence of the groups which resulted in the torching of 18 cars.

He reminded all quarters to refrain from circulating fake news over the incident for fear that it will undermine national security as video clips of the scuffle had gone viral on social media.

“We will meet with political party leaders, village heads and community leaders in the area to advise and explain what actually happened,” he said and warned that stern action will be taken against those who stubbornly circulate messages on the incident on social media.

Commenting on the circulation of a message abroad that Malaysia is not safe to visit between December 5 and 10, Noor Rashid said the information was inaccurate.

“Our country is safe and there is no racial clash. The police are in control and can prevent any untoward incident,” he said. – Bernama, November 26, 2018.