Penang police chief Sahabudin Abd Manan said the 54-year-old man was picked up from a church following reports lodged by some of the victims, including two in Seberang Perai Utara (SPU).

“In Penang, police received reports by several deaf and dumb victims and I understand there were also reports in other states over the same incident.

“Police have also seized a mobile phone from the priest who is also deaf and dumb to assist in the investigation. I want people to stop speculating. Let us do our job,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Sahabudin said the suspect, who is a priest, was remanded for four days to assist in an investigation under Section 354 of the Penal Code.

It was learnt that the incidents had occurred in the past few years and they happened when the priest was alone with the victim in a car or at home.