ALOR SETAR: Police have arrested a man suspected of burning a copy of the al-Quran at Kuala Nerang after he was betrayed by his lover.
Kedah police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said they arrested a 36-year-old man after receiving a police report at about 12.25 am from a member of the public.
The complainant received a video from his friend via WhatsApp showing the suspect setting the al-Quran ablaze.
“Along with two friends, the complainant went to the scene and saw burnt pieces of the al-Quran on the ground but did not find the suspect.
“Preliminary investigations also revealed that the incident took place behind a public toilet in Kuala Nerang, but there were no public closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras nearby,” he said in a statement today.
Kamarul Zaman said the suspect was later arrested and they also confiscated the charred remains of the al-Quran based upon the results of their investigation and testimonies of witnesses.
Two mobile phones, a lighter, and a pair of slippers believed to have been used during the incident were also seized.
Kamarul Zaman said the suspect did the deed after he was angered and disappointed by his lover’s change of heart towards him.
“He also claimed that he did not intend to stir religious sensitivities and that the al-Quran was a gift from her,” he said.
The case will be investigated under Section 435/295 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of 14 years under Section 435, and a two year jail sentence, fine, or both under Section 295.
Kamarul Zaman added that the case would be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for prosecutorial instructions.
“We advise the public to be careful in carrying out activities that may threaten public order.”
Sources: Sinar Harian, Cover image via Sinar Harian & Harian Metro
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
