“This was a house of worship. Don’t tell me you want to use a water cannon. Is it logical?” asked Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

The police had to act according to the situation to prevent it from worsening, he said at the Sime Darby Medical Centre here today.

He said using the water cannons would have subjected the police to severe criticism because they were also being criticised even when they provided assistance.

“We were providing security. We did not expect a certain group, masterminded by certain quarters, to act early.

“Our security was ongoing and we cannot stop people from wanting to worship at the temple,” he said.

Fuzi was asked to comment on claims by certain quarters who questioned why the police did not use the water cannons to disperse the mob.

He had earlier visited Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, the firefighter from the Subang Jaya Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), who was assaulted by some members of the mob and severely injured.

Fuzi said what happened to the firefighter was sad as he was only doing his job of helping to put out a fire and aiding those in need.

The IGP said he also visited his family member who had fractured a hand in the riot.

Asked about claims that police did not act to prevent the mob from attacking the firefighter and damaging One City Mall, Fuzi said the mob acted in an area that was not covered by the police.

“Police are not in all places. They attacked when we were not there. They did not do so in our presence.

“The mob sneaked into the area when we were on the move. One City Mall is quite far from the temple, about one kilometre. You cannot expect us to cover the whole area unless we have specific information,” he said.

Asked whether the developer, One City Development, had lodged a police report on the incident, Fuzi said he could not confirm that as he had not been informed.

Fuzi asked the people to assist the police to identify and arrest those responsible for sparking the riot.

“The operation to hunt down the culprits is being launched. We hope the public can help us identify them.”

On the masterminds, he said the police had some leads and were working on them.

Fuzi reminded all quarters not to listen to rumours and fake news which could worsen the situation and said police would continue to take necessary measures to maintain public order.