POLICE have detained 17 men, all locals, to assist investigations into violent clashes at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya early morning today.

Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said police had also identified all the individuals involved  including the mastermind but investigations are still ongoing.

“Police also seized weapons that were used in the incident including two machetes, two wooden sticks and two rubber hoses. We have received 29 reports so far in connection with the incident.

“All aspects are being investigated transparently and we will take stern action against the culprits,” he told a press conference at the Selangor police headquarters tonight.

Fuzi explained that of the 17, six suffered injuries.

He said a lance corporal from the Subang Jaya police headquarters was also injured when trying to bring order.

The IGP said the incident did not involve any racial sentiments but was instead due to a disagreement between two factions over the relocation of the temple to another site 3km away.

Fuzi also urged all quarters to stop all speculation and refrain from issuing irresponsible comments that could further aggravate the situation.

On claims that the police intentionally arrived late at the scene, he denied them altogether, saying that police personnel arrived at the scene 10 minutes after being informed.

“We received a call at 2.40am and we arrived at the scene at 2.50am, and even the (Subang Jaya) District Police chief himself came within 30 minutes after receiving information on the commotion.

“(The allegations) are totally inaccurate, we have records, we have diary records and sequence of events. Please do not make unfounded speculation, they (those who make the claims) do not know the real situation,” he sternly added.

On the allegation that the temple’s landowner, One City Development Sdn Bhd was the mastermind in the incident, Fuzi said police are still investigating the matter.

“We are investigating their (One City Development) claims which refuted the allegation, whether they are involved or not, it is too early to come to any conclusion,” he said.

He explained that this was not the first time a temple was relocated, and in fact this year there were three occasions with the last one just four weeks ago but  failed when there was a commotion.

According to Fuzi, police did not interfere and only played the role of security control.

“In this case, the FRU (Federal Reserve Unit) should have been there at 6am with Serdang police to control the situation for the process of relocation to a new site but the commotion occurred much earlier,” he said.

The IGP also disputed allegations that police failed to take action to control the chaos.

He said had police failed to take action, the incident would have been much worse including the possibility of deaths.

“In this regard, I am calling on all parties responsible not to make any statements which could muddle the situation.

“Politicians should help to calm the air and not to create friction as it will not help us to control the situation.

“What we are doing is to investigate thoroughly as soon as possible,” he said. – Bernama, November 26, 2018.