KLANG: A 37-year-old man, who is possibly mentally unstable, has been detained in connection with two incidents where idols were placed at the Sabilul Huda surau in Taman Pendamar here.

South Klang OCPD Asst Comm Shamsul Amar Ramli said the man was detained at about 6.15pm on Sunday (Feb 24) for placing idols at the surau on Wednesday (Feb 20) and Saturday (Feb 23).

"The suspect was detained at his home, which is located some 200m away from the mosque.

"He also tested positive for syabu use," he told a press conference on Monday (Feb 25).

ACP Shamsul Amar said the suspect had admitted to placing the idols at the surau, claiming felt compelled to do it after a dream.

"We believe the suspect had placed an idol at the mosque on Wednesday and two other smaller-sized ones on Saturday.

"The idols may have been stolen from nearby temples," he said.

ACP Shamsul Amar said the suspect also claimed he had received certain teachings – possibly deviant – in a neighbouring country.

"We are not ruling out the possibility that the suspect is mentally unstable.

"He has a criminal record and we will investigate further," he said.

He stressed that the incidents at the surau were the act of one man and had nothing to do with insulting Islam or inciting racial or religious sentiments.

On Saturday (Feb 23), Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin condemned the irresponsible act and said police had received several reports on the matter.

"I have instructed the Inspector-General of Police to investigate this thoroughly.

"Stern action based on the rule of law must be taken against those responsible for committing such a despicable and provocative act.

"Those responsible for stirring up tensions among the different races and religions must be arrested based on the law, prosecuted and punished if found guilty," he said," he had said.

On Wednesday, the residents of Taman Pendamar were shocked when they found an idol placed next to the main entrance of the Sabilul Huda surau.

The idol was discovered by a surau official who was there preparing for Asar prayers.