Recently, a photo of a housing development in Langkawi has garnered quite a bit of attention as the air wells and fire breaks appear to resemble “rooftop crosses”.
It even got the attention of Datuk Tajul Urus Mat Zain, Kedah’s state executive councillor in charge of housing, who promptly ordered the property developer to “rectify” it, adding that he was viewing the situation “very seriously” and that the state would actively “monitor the problem”.
In case you missed the now viral picture, here’s what the rooftop crosses, a “sensitive issue of a religious nature” look like:
His response was, of course, met with comments from Malaysian netizens, who took to the interwebs to voice their opinions regarding the issue.
Muslims and non-Muslims alike found the news piece to be ridiculous, saying that there was no reason to behave with such extreme paranoia if one’s faith is strong. Some even went on to say that the knee-jerk reaction from Tajul Urus Mat Zain was uncalled for.
A followed-up report by MMO quoted DAP MP Lim Lip Eng as asking,“I have read on Facebook that people say KLIA also is shaped like a cross. Will we be demolishing it?” upon hearing news about the Langkawi homes.
Taj Urus Mat Zain later went on to say that the problem was not a big one and that although the authorities have not received any complaints, the matter must be resolved before it escalates into a religious row.
According to MMO, he has “advised” the developer to repaint the fire break wall to match the roof colour to “avoid further confusion”, adding that he “understands” that the internal air well was built to enhance light and air ventilation.
What do you guys think though? Was it even necessary to call this whole situation a “problem” to begin with? Should the property developer have done things differently, even? Let us know your thoughts!
UPDATE (29th December, 1:41pm):
According to a report by The Star Online, citing Kedah and Perlis Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA) chairman Datuk Rick Cheng Wooi Seong, the developer has started rectification work on the houses. He confirmed that the repainting will take about 2 weeks to complete and also called on the public to not put pressure on the company with regards to the matter.
Sources: MMO, The Sun Daily, Malaysia Today, Yahoo Singapore, The Rojak Pot, FMT / Featured image from Pejuang Agama Bangsa Negara’s Facebook page.
