A 23-year-old Foodpanda rider who was filmed packing two statues of a Chinese deity from a car park altar into his delivery bag has said that they "consented" to be taken away.

Happened in Woodlands

Shin Min Daily News reported that the incident had transpired at Carpark E of Woodlands Industrial Park, after the rider had completed a delivery.

The statues were figures of a single god, Dua Di Ya Peh (大二爷伯), an underworld deity in Chinese folklore who escorts spirits of the dead.

The rider had reached out to the Chinese media outlet to explain that the matter was a misunderstanding.

Statues were "dirty" and without offerings

In his clarification, the rider said the statues were dirty, did not have any offerings, and therefore, needed care.

The rider also added that he asked the deity for permission first.

He said: "I know the statues of the deity cannot be simply removed. That's why I threw the moon blocks (divination tools) to get the consent of the god to bring it home. Otherwise, how am I safe right now?"

Reported the case to police after video was circulated

The rider added that he also made a report to the police to further clarify the matter after a video of the incident began spreading.

He said that he subsequently returned the statues after a few days and voiced his hope that there would be no more speculation or accusations on the matter.

Here's how the incident unfolded:

Top image collage from SG Chinese Community Facebook