KUALA LUMPUR – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will brief the Cabinet tomorrow on issues involving places of worship built in breach of regulations, as well as the recent trespass incident at a temple in Rawang, Selangor.
Saifuddin said the briefing aims to provide a clear picture of the matter, including the chronology of events and the individuals involved, to enable the government to find the best solution to ease current tensions.
“I have asked the Inspector-General of Police and the Special Branch director to be prepared with a comprehensive report. We want to ensure that any action taken is based on facts and the law, not emotions or manipulation by certain parties,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
He said this at a press conference after the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.
When asked about individuals taking matters into their own hands by demolishing a place of worship recently, Saifuddin stressed that bypassing the law is extremely dangerous and could jeopardise public order.
“Race and religion are highly emotive issues. When information at one’s fingertips is spread by those who do not consider the importance of peace, the responsibility of the police becomes critical in preventing provocation,” he said.
He added that issues relating to land status, ownership or urban planning must be resolved through proper legal channels involving the state government and local authorities.
“No party will win if we act based on emotion. We remain a multiracial nation, and the guarantee of freedom of religion as enshrined in the Federal Constitution will continue to be upheld by the government,” he said.
Saifuddin also said he has full confidence in the Royal Malaysia Police to utilise all available provisions, including Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code, as a preventive measure to curb any actions that could undermine harmony.
“Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite or inflame racial sentiments. The police will act professionally to safeguard national peace, especially as the country is on the right economic track,” he said.
Yesterday, police detained four men to assist investigations into the trespass case involving a temple in Rawang.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the arrests were made following a report lodged by a local man over the demolition of a temple that had been built in breach of regulations in the area. – February 12, 2026