KUALA LUMPUR – A man who allegedly issued a death threat against independent preacher Firdaus Wong following his remarks on the construction of a temple on private land has been arrested.
Petaling Jaya district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Shahrulnizam Ja’afar, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect was detained to assist in the investigation.
“I can confirm an arrest has been made in connection with this case, and a media statement will be issued,” he told Harian Metro.
Earlier, Firdaus said he had lodged a police report after receiving a death threat on Facebook.
The 40-year-old preacher said the threat came via a direct message from a social media account.
“The individual openly and explicitly threatened to kill me if we were to meet. The threat was repeated twice.
“I am unsure of his motive, but it is likely related to my statement regarding the issue of illegal temple construction.
“I was merely discussing the law and facts, but this person responded emotionally without facts and resorted to making a death threat,” he was quoted as saying.
The arrest comes amid an ongoing dispute over the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Jalan Masjid India, which landowners Jakel Holdings plan to demolish to make way for Masjid Madani.
Earlier today, MIC deputy president Datuk M Saravanan has refuted claims that the temple was built illegally, asserting that it has existed for over a century.
Saravanan also clarified that the land was designated for mixed development, not as waqaf (endowment) land. He presented two DBKL letters from 2008 as proof that the temple was recognised by authorities.
“If the temple was illegal, why would DBKL carry out plot cleaning works? There wouldn’t be water and electricity supply if it were illegal,” he argued.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured that no demolition will take place until a suitable relocation site is provided for the temple. Authorities are currently mediating between Jakel Holdings and temple representatives to reach a fair resolution.
A groundbreaking ceremony for Masjid Madani, officiated by Anwar, is scheduled for March 27.
Saravanan attributed the controversy to misinformation within the Muslim community.
“If I were in their position, I would be angry too… It is understandable because they have not been given the correct information. This place of worship has existed for over 100 years.”
He stressed the need for a balanced resolution to prevent further discord.
On March 20, DBKL announced that a new location had been identified for the relocation of a house of worship in Jalan Masjid India. – March 23, 2025