Churches must step up security themselves, says IGP

By Adib Zalkapli - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan today urged all churches to beef up security on their own because with its limited manpower the police cannot ensure security at all houses of worship.

“I would like to advise the churches to have their own security because I don’t have enough policemen.

“In PJ alone there are 62 churches. In KL and Selangor altogether we have about 200,” Musa told reporters outside the Metro Tabernacle Church here.

He said that the police are also monitoring the situation at mosques nationwide.

“We also monitor other places of worship,” said Musa.

Since early yesterday, four churches have been firebombed and the worst-hit was the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati which had its administrative office gutted.

Two churches in Petaling Jaya were also attacked yesterday with the Life Chapel in Section 17 suffering scorch marks while Assumption Church was not damaged.

Earlier today, arsonists attempted to set fire to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Petaling Jaya, causing minor damage to the building, in what is the fourth attack in two days on a church in the Klang Valley.

Musa said the police were still investigating the attacks.

When asked he said today’s attacks appeared not to have been perpetrated by those behind yesterday’s attacks.

“Different group, because the modus operandi was different,” he said.

Musa also called on the public not to make prank calls to his number, which he had publicised following the series of attacks.

“Some were fooling around, so I hope the public will take this seriously, we have a lot of work to do,” said Musa.

He added that he had received more than 900 calls since yesterday.