SHAH ALAM, Oct 26 — The state government will not tolerate the use of any place of worship for criminal purposes, regardless of the religion, race, or background of those involved.
State executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said he took a serious view of the media reports about drugs being found at an unregistered place of worship in Klang during an operation by the Selangor Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department from October 13 to October 19.
“This case underscores the need for strict enforcement to combat drug distribution and the misuse of premises.
“Places of worship should be respected, kept sacred and provide peace to their respective congregations, not be used to store prohibited substances or facilitate criminal activities,” he said in a statement today.
Papparaidu, who is also the co-chairman of the Special Committee on Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Taoist Affairs, emphasised that there would be no compromise on using places of worship for criminal purposes.
“However, we must distinguish between the criminal actions of individuals and the religious institutions and communities they belong to. The actions of a few individuals should not be used as a reason to vilify or stigmatise an entire religious community,” he said.
The matter has nothing to do with religion or race, but concerns the rule of law, public safety and respect for the sanctity of places of worship.
“Criminal activities must be dealt with according to the evidence and the law, rather than sentiments or prejudices directed at any particular community,” Papparaidu said, supporting the police in conducting a thorough investigation and taking appropriate action against those involved.
Selangor police busted a drug trafficking operation that allegedly used an unregistered place of worship in Klang as a storage facility, following raids across the state.
