KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The Johor Baru surau where a man was assaulted last week outside its compound has now hung a banner urging its congregation to park in an orderly manner and without blocking other cars.

Local papers reported a large red banner hanging prominently at the Taman Austin Perdana surau’s gates, carrying the words: "Peringatan: Kepada jemaah yang dihormati, mohon kerjasama untuk meletakkan kenderaan secara teratur dan tidak menghalang lalu lintas”.

[Translation: "Reminder: To our respected congregation, we seek your cooperation to park your vehicles orderly and to not to obstruct traffic.”]

According to local daily New Straits Times (NST), this banner is an effort by the surau committee to prevent last week’s incident from happening again.

Last week, a 28-year-old man was assaulted by the surau congregation members and had his car damaged, after he honked due to traffic obstruction caused by cars parked outside the surau in a disorderly manner. The man who sustained injuries has since apologised.

The case is being investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting, which provides for a jail term of up to two years, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

The NST said the road outside the surau was not blocked yesterday during Friday prayers despite cars being parked on both sides and that traffic was smooth.

In a separate report by local daily Sinar Harian, it said five male Rela members were seen directing traffic from 12.30pm yesterday and that police patrol cars were also spotted.

The surau’s muezzin Zulkifli Ahmad, who said the surau could accommodate around 1,400 Muslims, said the banner was hung up to avoid misunderstanding.

"In the meeting [yesterday], it was also decided to use the services of female Rela members and non-Muslim male members that may be implemented starting next week,” he was quoted saying.