NGO Cancels Temple Visit Amidst Misinformation Campaign
SEBERANG PERAI, March 6 — A planned demonstration by the Persatuan Kebajikan Surplus Pulau Pinang (Penang Surplus Welfare Association) at a Hindu temple situated near Bukit Mertajam Hospital has been officially called off. The decision follows constructive discussions held this morning between the non-governmental organisation (NGO), temple representatives, and local police.
The chairman of the NGO, Sophian Mohd Zain, confirmed the cancellation, stating that an agreement was reached with temple representatives and the police not to proceed with the visit scheduled for tomorrow. “We want to clarify that we were only planning to visit the temple and to show the public the situation, where the temple is located,” Sophian explained to reporters gathered outside the Seberang Perai Tengah district police headquarters. He strongly refuted claims that the group intended to demolish the temple, labelling such assertions as untrue and a distortion of their original intentions.
Sophian emphasised the NGO’s role, stating, “We are merely an NGO, and we do not have the authority to demolish any places of worship.” He elaborated on the timing of the planned visit, noting that it was initially set for tomorrow, a public holiday, to facilitate easier attendance for their members. The NGO was reportedly unaware that the temple had also scheduled a religious celebration on the same day. “We are unaware of the religious celebration so, today, after we discussed with the temple representatives, we agreed not to go to the temple tomorrow so they can continue with their celebration,” he added.
Sophian further alleged that the original announcement post, disseminated by the NGO to inform the public about their intended temple visit, had been manipulated. He claimed that artificial intelligence (AI) was used by unspecified parties to alter the post, creating a false narrative that the group planned to demolish the temple. He also pointed to recent news reports that he claimed inaccurately stated he had insisted on proceeding with the visit, which he stated was not the case. The NGO is considering lodging a police report regarding the alleged misinformation, pending a discussion with their legal counsel. Sophian indicated that an official announcement regarding the cancellation of the temple visit would be made on his social media platforms.
Upholding Peace and Harmony: Temple Committee’s Perspective
Representing the Kuil Sri Dewi Muniswarar, committee chairman M. Karthikesan, shared his perspective on the discussions. He described the meeting with the Persatuan Kebajikan Surplus Pulau Pinang members and the Seberang Perai Tengah district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Helmi Aris, as a “peaceful discussion.” Both parties, he affirmed, have agreed to “maintain the peace and harmony.”
Karthikesan confirmed that the temple will indeed be hosting a religious celebration for devotees tomorrow. He reassured that attendees would be present solely for prayers and to seek blessings from the deity, with no protests anticipated from the temple side.
When questioned about the temple’s historical presence, Karthikesan stated that the Kuil Sri Dewi Muniswarar has been a fixture in the area for approximately 127 years, predating the construction of Bukit Mertajam Hospital. This historical context underscores the temple’s long-standing significance in the community.
In light of the recent events and the misinformation that circulated, Sophian made a public appeal. He urged the Ministry of Health, the Seberang Perai City Council, and the Penang state government to issue official statements to clarify the status of the temple. Such clarification, he believes, would help to dispel any lingering doubts and ensure public understanding of the situation.
