A 24-year-old man was sentenced today to five years in prison and received one stroke of the cane for vandalizing a statue of a Hindu deity at a temple in Matang, Perak, last October. On October 18, 2023, the Sri Mangalanayagi Amman Temple in Kampung Matang, located in Taiping, experienced severe damage, resulting in the unfortunate discovery of broken statues within its grounds. Investigating officer N Sudermani informed FMT that Firdaus Taufek admitted guilt to the charge of illegal possession of offensive weapons in front of Taiping Sessions Court Judge Nabisha Ibrahim.
Firdaus was charged under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 for the illegal possession of two hammers. He used these hammers to vandalize the statue. Section 6(1) of the Act stipulates a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of ten years, along with whipping, upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Yan Ni handled the prosecution, while the accused was defended by a lawyer from an NGO. The laborer initially pleaded not guilty when charged in October last year but changed his plea to guilty yesterday.
This case serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of respecting all religions. Each religion imparts valuable lessons and promotes positive values, and it is crucial that we honor and respect every faith. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, we can contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
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