INSPECTOR-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun has repeated calls for Malaysians to remain calm, warning against violence following the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim last night.

“The police would like to advise the public not to take matters on their own hands in any way that can cause unrest, especially racial and religious tension,” Fuzi said in a statement.

“PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) are saddened by the news of Adib’s passing and the police would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and to everyone in the force and rescue department.

“Adib’s passing is a huge loss not just to the fire and rescue department but to the nation.”

Fuzi confirmed the case has been classified as murder.

Earlier today, Selangor deputy police chief Abdul Rashid Wahab said they have almost 400 policemen on standby in the vicinity of the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple and the temple landowner’s office at the nearby One City Business Complex .

We have made the temple our number one priority, to safeguard the area as we closely monitor the situation,” Rashid told The Malaysian Insight.

“We have also increased the number of police personnel there and we are ready to maintain peace.”

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani told The Malaysian Insight, his men are prepared for any eventuality.

“In this trying time, let us all remain calm and and stop hurting each other’s feelings. Being emotional over this issue is not going to help the situation.

“Having said that, the Internal Security and Public Order Division has been put on standby and is ready for any situation.

“We want public order to be restored for the good of our nation.”

Some Malaysians have taken to social media to vent their anger at the fireman’s death, for which they blame the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple committee. – December 18, 2018.