A group of anglers was left stunned after discovering a stone shrine bearing the words “Allah” and “Bismillahirrahmanirrahim” written in Jawi script at Jalan Jeti Anjung Batu – Pantai Siring in Melaka on Wednesday night.
The discovery was later reported to the authorities after the group spotted the structure located in a mangrove forest area near the coast. The shrine is also believed to be situated close to a fenced private land plot.
Melaka Exco for Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Datuk Rahmad Mariman said inspections conducted around 11.30pm confirmed the existence of the structure, which is believed to have been there for about two to three years. However, he noted that the Jawi inscriptions were only recently noticed.
He said the matter is highly sensitive and could potentially trigger unnecessary tensions between different communities and religions. As a precaution, police have been instructed to maintain security at the site while further action is determined.
Rahmad added that discussions were held involving the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM), police, and village security committees to coordinate the next steps. The ADUN for Serkam has also been instructed to engage with the local council to assess enforcement action if the structure is found to have been built without approval.
Authorities will conduct further investigations to determine how the structure came to be and identify those responsible. Rahmad stressed that both JAIM and police will carry out a detailed probe to avoid any misunderstanding that could affect public harmony.
He also said the landowner should inspect the site before any action is taken, including verifying whether the area falls under coastal reserve land, where construction would require official approval.
Officials reiterated that any unauthorised development in protected zones would not be permitted under regulations governing coastal reserve areas.
