IPOH: A total of 42 people have been arrested to facilitate police investigation on the Sri Maha Mariamman temple riot on Monday.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the operation to track down those involved in the riot was still ongoing.
He said the situation at the temple had nearly been brought back to normal, despite the presence of several people who gathered at the area yesterday.
He said the police were doing their best in assuring the public safety.
“I do not wish to comment further on the issue; I only want to inform that currently, the situation is almost fully brought under control.
“There were about 25 to people gathering (near the temple) yesterday, but (fortunately) there was no incident reported.
“I hope that the police are working hard to fully restore (temple) situation for the sake of people’s livelihood,” he told a Press conference after witnessing the handing over of duties of the Perak police chief at the police officer’s mess here today.
State deputy police chief Datuk Razarudin Husain@Abd Rasid would assume the duties of Perak police chief to replace retired Datuk Hasnan Hassan.
Mohamad Fuzi said he hoped all parties involved would refrain from issuing statements that could create tension among the people.
“I hope all quarters parties involved will respectively control their emotions and sentiments.
“If everyone makes responsible statements, I am confident that we (police) will be able to restore order,” he said.
It was reported that recently, a dispute on the relocation of the temple in Subang Jaya, Selangor had escalated with rioters gathered at its compound.
A policeman and a firefighter were reportedly suffered injuries during the fracas.
