In a short statement released today, the archdiocese’s social communication commission stated that whoever was responsible for setting up the billboards did so without the prior knowledge nor consent of the Catholic Church.

It stated that the church is making efforts to reach the owners of the billboards requesting them to refrain from posting any message in the name of the church without prior approval.

Meanwhile, according to a source, the billboards were put up by a Catholic layman who was also responsible for constructing directional signboards for all churches and chapels in Sabah.

It was not immediately clear whether the individual had asked for permission from the archdiocese before putting up the billboards.

“However, if the archdiocese is unhappy with the billboards, they should have said so years before since this is not the first time such advertisements are being displayed statewide,” a source said.

Yesterday, former PPBM women’s chief Anina Saadudin came under criticism for questioning the intention behind the large billboard promoting Holy Week in Bukit Padang.

Two such billboards were reported to have been torn down by unknown individuals in Pitas.

The Holy Week billboards will be taken down either on Sunday or Monday.