Malaysia

Police arrest suspected Keningau church vandal

Officials say man damaged two religious statues, caused crucifix to fall

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 07 Jul 2022 5:37PM

Police arrest suspected Keningau church vandal
A statue of Mother Mary that was damaged in the act. – Diocese of Keningau Facebook pic, July 7, 2022

KOTA KINABALU – Keningau police believe that the act of vandalism at a church here this morning was done by a mentally unstable person.

In a media statement today, the district’s police chief Nor Rafidah Kasim said a 34-year-old suspect has been arrested. 

This comes after a police report was lodged by officials of the Keningau St Francis Xavier Cathedral at 10.01am today.

“Our early finding shows that the gates into the church were closed but not locked, and the close circuit system was also not in working condition,” she said here today.

She said church officials claimed in the report that the unidentified suspect had entered the church and damaged two statues, and caused a crucifix to fall.

The incident occurred at about 7.30am this morning, she said. 

The broken statue of Mother Mary lying on the floor of the Keningau Saint Francis Xavier church. It is among several items damaged by the assailant this morning. – Diocese of Keningau Facebook pic, July 7, 2022
The broken statue of Mother Mary lying on the floor of the Keningau Saint Francis Xavier church. It is among several items damaged by the assailant this morning. – Diocese of Keningau Facebook pic, July 7, 2022

The broken items include statues of Christ, Mother Mary and several other items seen lying on the floor of the Keningau Saint Francis Xavier church in the interior district.

The Keningau diocese’s Facebook post appealed to the public not to speculate on the incident.

“An unwanted and shocking incident has happened this morning at the Keningau St Francis Xavier around 7.30am after the morning mass when an unidentified individual entered the church and destroyed the crucifix,” the diocese said in the post. – The Vibes, July 7, 2022

Related News

Malaysia / 1w

Weak earthquake measuring 3.4 magnitude detected in Keningau

Malaysia / 1w

Sabah poverty figures, tourism ranking among Malaysia’s quieter gains, says World Bank economist

Opinion / 1w

Merdeka: This is our Malaysia – and you will not take it from us

Malaysia / 1mth

Sabah and Sarawak can become 'kingmakers', determine who will lead Federal government

Malaysia / 1mth

Warisan keeps Sabah pact talks open, pushes for local parties to contest 25 seats

Malaysia / 1mth

Sabah does not agree to 200-litre diesel quota, forms special committee - Masidi

Spotlight

Malaysia

Documents reveal British royal charity attempted to ‘doctor’ evidence in SLAPP action

Malaysia

MMA asks why FDS aircraft cannot match those used by ministers

Malaysia

Penang-born woman dies in Perth after alleged domestic violence assault

Malaysia

No senior UMNO leaders to be arrested after PAU – MACC

Malaysia

Hng’s 31-year Gerakan exit puts focus on political direction

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Man held after social media claim he solicited alms while carrying parang

Malaysia

Volcanic escalation on Java a threat of potential regional chaos

Malaysia

Anwar surprised by Najib's new pardon attempt

You may be interested

Malaysia

Ministry committed to ensuring safe use of AI - Gobind

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Fahmi: 65,280 scam, illegal gambling posts still online despite MCMC takedown requests

Malaysia

No senior UMNO leaders to be arrested after PAU – MACC

Malaysia

Volcanic escalation on Java a threat of potential regional chaos

Malaysia

Sarikei records highest unhealthy air reading as haze blankets Sarawak

Malaysia

West Asia tensions push unsubsidised fuel prices up 25 sen

Malaysia

Mother and two sons die after being trapped in Kluang house fire

Malaysia

Negeri MB says he was forced to sign Tuanku Muhriz removal document