Of the attacks on churches, one, the Metro Tabernacle Assembly of
God, in Desa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, suffered considerable damage.
Witnesses reportedly saw two individuals throwing something looking
like a petrol bomb. The attack raised concern and was condemned by
most political parties, ruling and opposition alike, and organizations.
Prime Minister Najib condemned the attack and directed police to
increase security at all places of worship and called for unity amongst
Malaysian people. Najib visited the Metro Tabernacle Church and
promised a grant of RM500,000 to assist in its reconstruction. A foundation,
CIMB Foundation, donated an additional RM100,000. In a statement
issued on 20 January, the Malaysian Police reported that eight suspects
had been arrested. Three men were charged in court in July 2010.
One was acquitted due to lack of evidence. The other two, brothers aged
24 and 22, were convicted. It was reported that as of August 17, 2010
the brothers had not been sentenced but faced a maximum of 20 years in
prison. The persons who were responsible for the attacks on the two
mosques in Johore were never identified and nobody was charged in
court.