Nine arrested over break-ins at 20 houses of worship

MALACCA: Nine people linked to 20 cases of break-in at houses of worship in Malacca since last year have been detained to facilitate investigations.

The eight men and a woman, aged between 19 and 32, were picked up about 4pm near Batu Berendam and Malim yesterday.

The latest case occurred yesterday at the Laong San Temple in Jalan Rembia Lendu, Alor Gajah.

Melaka Tengah police chief, ACP Afzanizar Ahmad said the gang's modus operandi was to break into houses of worship before escaping with public donations kept at the premises.

He said the management of most of the houses of worship was unable to verify the actual amount or estimated losses as the public placed the donations in cash boxes.

"Following the latest break-in at the Laong San Temple yesterday, the police made the arrests within 24 hours.

The first arrest involved a man and a woman in Batu Berendam while the rest were detained in stages," he said in a statement here today. — Bernama