A disturbing case of alleged religious abuse has surfaced in Malaysia, where a 27-year-old woman claims she was sexually molested by a man posing as a priest during what was supposed to be a spiritual blessing. The incident reportedly took place inside a temple in Salak Tinggi New Town, Selangor.
The victim had visited the temple alone on 21 June for prayers, only to be deceived by the man who offered her a “special holy water ritual” in a private office. Instead of receiving blessings, she alleges that the man splashed her face with pungent floral water to impair her vision before molesting her.
According to her police report, the suspect took advantage of her disorientation to grope her chest, slipping his hands under her blouse and innerwear while muttering prayers. Emotionally and psychologically traumatised, she has since turned to authorities and social media to seek justice and share her harrowing experience.
Police Confirm Investigation Under Sexual Assault Law
Sepang District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Noor Hashim confirmed that the case is being investigated under Section 354 of the Malaysian Penal Code, which deals with assault or use of criminal force on a person with intent to outrage modesty. The suspect is believed to be an Indian national who had been temporarily replacing a priest currently abroad.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused used the guise of spiritual healing to target his victims. By performing what he called a “holy water cleansing”, he would gain the trust of devotees before launching the assault. Authorities are now actively tracking his whereabouts.
Members of the public with information are urged to contact Investigating Officer Sergeant Shadien at 013-2060771 or reach the Sepang District Police Headquarters at 03-8777 4222.
Victim Shares Ordeal on Instagram, Says She Feels Betrayed by Faith
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the woman described the emotional toll the experience has taken on her. She recounted how the man, pretending to be a holy figure, lured her into the temple office where the so-called ritual turned violent and degrading. She shared that the smell of the liquid used in the ceremony was so overpowering she could not open her eyes, leaving her vulnerable to the attack.
Since the incident, she revealed she has struggled with anxiety, trauma, and sleepless nights, haunted by the repeated mental image of the molestation. “Every time I close my eyes, the scene replays. I feel disgusted, ashamed, angry and afraid,” she wrote.
What shattered her the most, she said, was that a place she once considered safe and sacred—where she went to seek inner peace—had become the very site of her violation. “The betrayal is unbearable,” she added.
Authorities Urge Calm, Warn Against Stirring Racial or Religious Tensions
In light of the incident, police have urged the public not to incite racial or religious discord, reminding citizens that justice will be pursued through proper legal channels. Assistant Commissioner Noor Hashim warned against spreading inflammatory content that could disrupt social harmony and public order.
This shocking case has sparked outrage online, with many calling for stricter regulations and background checks for individuals claiming religious authority. It also reignites long-standing concerns over sexual misconduct in religious spaces, and how blind faith can sometimes be exploited by those with ill intent.
As investigations continue, the case serves as a sobering reminder that not all who wear the robe of piety are worthy of trust.