GEORGE TOWN: The trustees of the Goddess of Mercy Temple in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling will look at installing anti-theft glass panel to protect the statues of deities at the temple.
Kong Hock Keong board of trustees chairman Datuk Lam Wu Chong said the proposal will be discussed during a meeting by the temple trustees on Tuesday.
It was reported that at about 1.10pm on Monday, a 35-year-old suspect had attempted to steal the diamonds from the forehead of the Kuan Yin statue after he shattered the glass panel with a hammer.
However, some devotees managed to stop the man and beat him up, causing him to sustain serious head injuries.
He said the inner temple where the Kuan Yin statue and statues of other deities were placed would remain closed until the trustees make a decision.
George Town deputy OCPD Supt Ismail Toh Idris said police had yet to record any statement from the suspect because he was highly sedated for his head injuries.