Cabinet withdraws moratorium on certain Acts over temple issue

SUBANG JAYA: The Cabinet has agreed to allow the police to use certain Acts that are under review to handle the rioting cases last week at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, USJ 25, here.

Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Cabinet at its meeting on Friday decided to withdraw the moratorium on the Prevention of Crime Act (Amendment) 2017 (POCA), Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), Sedition Act 1948 and Security Offences Special Measures Act (SOSMA).

“There is a moratorium on these acts but in the current situation, considering what happened at the temple, they can be used by the police even though they are being thoroughly re- evaluated,” he told reporters after meeting police personnel on duty around the temple yesterday.

Muhyiddin, who arrived at 3.40pm, also met with the temple’s management to discuss the crisis.

Also present was Deputy Inspector- General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim.

Muhyiddin said the measure would give full authority to the police to look after peace and public security.

Meanwhile, he said to date, police had detained 58 people comprising 18 Indians, two Chinese and 38 Malays to help in investigation over the case.

‘’More than 5,000 reports were received nationwide and all are being given attention by the police. There are several more suspects who will be arrested,’’ he said.

The police are still investigating on the suspects who had caused serious injuries to fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, with certain parties coming forward to help the investigation, he said.

The riots, which took place on Monday and Tuesday following squabbles over transfer of the temple to a new site, had resulted in serious injuries to Muhammad Adib, 24, who is now being treated at the National Heart Institute.

The incident also resulted in injuries to a policemen, six civilians other than the destruction of several vehicles and a commercial premises sustaining damage.