Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi has warned that stern action will be taken against those who either spread rumours or are involved in the alleged Bible-burning 'festival' purportedly planned for this Sunday in Butterworth.

“Regarding speculation and rumours circulating about the alleged Bible-burning festival, we will take stern action on those involved,” Abdul Rahim told Malaysiakini when contacted.

“We will ensure tight security so that the incident will not take place,” he added.

NONE“We advise the public not to attend or participate in such events or spread such speculation or rumours that can undermine the state’s peace and security,” he stressed.

Abdul Rahim (left) said that those found involved in spreading such rumours or planning to partake in the event will be investigated, and if found guilty, punished, under Section 298 (a) of the Penal Code which reads:

"Whoever, with deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person, or makes any gesture in the sight of that person, or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both."

Abdul Rahim was responding to questions asked about a report which has been lodged at the Butterworth police station today by Rev John Kennady of the St Marks Anglican church.

Unclear whether it's a hoax

Kennady lodged the report at the Butterworth police station after receiving an anonymous notice regarding an alleged Bible-burning 'festival' in Butterworth this Sunday at the Bagan Luar Municipal Field at 10am.

The notice, an invitation for the public to join the event, was not signed and it is uncertain if the matter is a hoax.

Christian Federation of Malaysia chairperson Bishop Ng Moon Hing described the purported session - if it becomes a reality - as an “abhorrent act”.

Ng has advised priests and pastors who received the notice to lodge police reports at their respective areas to alert the force about the matter.

It is still uncertain if the notice is a hoax as it was not signed and did not state who was the organiser of the alleged planned event.

Perkasa chief and Pasir Mas MP Ibrahim Ali first mooted the Bible burning idea following an obscure incident in Penang, where the Christian Holy Book was allegedly distributed by certain quarters to Muslims outside a school compound.

Penang police have described the issue as an “isolated case”, while Ibrahim later told Utusan Malaysia that his call to Muslims to burn the Malay-language Bible using the word ‘Allah’ was not intended to hurt the feelings of Christians.

Christians alarmed by Bible-burning 'plan'