Police rule out rape and molestation claim at Melaka mosque after investigation

POLICE have dismissed allegations of rape and molestation said to have taken place inside a mosque mortuary room in Melaka Tengah, concluding that a comprehensive investigation found no evidence to support claims that criminal offences had occurred.

The findings follow widespread public discussion and social media speculation surrounding allegations made by a woman in her 50s involving a 48-year-old man believed to have been serving as a mosque official.

Melaka Police Chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said police received a report from the complainant at 9.12am on Thursday, in which she alleged that she had been sexually assaulted on multiple occasions.

However, investigators subsequently gathered statements and examined the circumstances surrounding the case before determining that there was insufficient evidence to establish the alleged crimes.

“Regarding the issue that has gone viral and become a topic of discussion among the local community involving allegations of molestation and rape in a mortuary room at a mosque, police confirm that a report was received from the complainant.

“However, a thorough investigation found that the allegations of molestation and rape did not occur,” he said in a statement.

According to Dzulkhairi, the investigation found no element of force or coercion, a key factor in determining whether criminal offences under the Penal Code had been committed.

As a result, the matter has been referred to the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) for further consideration under the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment (State of Melaka) 1991.

The case drew significant public attention after allegations circulated online claiming that a female congregant had been sexually assaulted by a mosque caretaker inside the mosque's mortuary facilities.

The controversy intensified following claims that mosque administrators had replaced the caretaker in an attempt to conceal the matter.

Separately, State Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman confirmed that the individual concerned had resigned from his position in May.

However, he said mosque authorities were unable to verify the reasons behind the resignation.

The case is now expected to proceed through the religious authorities, with any further action falling under the jurisdiction of Islamic law rather than the criminal justice system following the police investigation's findings. - June 5, 2026