Abdul Rahman, who is also federal minister of urban affairs, urged Malaysians to respect each other’s religions.

He said in a Twitter posting: “This news just ruined my Ramadan mood. C’mon peeps, let’s work together for a #betternation.”

He said the sacrilegious act was a loud reminder to Malaysians of the huge task to ensure there is absolutely no place for religious hatred in the country.

Statues of three Hindu deities were desecrated at Sri Dharma Muniswarar Temple in Penanti Estate, Penang, the third attack in mainland Penang this month.

Ten days ago intruders destroyed religious statues at Muthu Mariamman Temple in Penanti Estate.

On June 2, intruders broke into another Hindu temple at Muthumariamman temple in Seberang Perai and smashed several deities in an attack that a Penang DAP leader called a hate crime.