KOTA KINABALU: Tourist harassment at Masjid Bandaraya at Likas here is unacceptable, said state religious affairs executive councillor Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
"Such an incident should not occur. All committee members and congregants (as well as tourists), regardless of their background, deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.
"This is the etiquette we must maintain wherever we are.
"It applies not only within mosques but also outside, where we must adhere to the manners and conduct taught by our religion, especially those exemplified by our prophet regarding etiquette," he said after the Sabah State Education Leadership Assembly at SM Kian Kok here.
Yesterday (Jan 24), an over 1-minute video posted by a Chinese-speaking tourist went viral alleging that tourists were being harassed at the site.
In that footage, a man wearing a blue lanyard outside the mosque was recorded stopping tourists and making a punching gesture.
The person recording the video also mentioned that "unauthorised" individuals were coercing people to pay a fee for taking pictures outside the mosque, warning of the risk of being beaten up.
The city mosque at a 14.83hasite at Likas Bay is partially surrounded by a man-made lagoon, giving it the nickname "The Floating Mosque".
Its architectural design is inspired by the Nabawi Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, the mosque features a beautiful blue and gold dome, along with four minarets.
It officially opened in 2000 and has been listed as a must-visit site for tourists.
"As a mosque committee member or anyone present in mosques, we must uphold proper etiquette and warmly welcome everyone.
"We must treat them with kindness and respect.
"Regarding this case, I will gather information from the director (of the Sabah Religious Affairs Department)."