PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) has proposed the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body to oversee temple registrations, land matters, and resolution of disputes.
MHS said this would ensure the proper management of Hindu temples and prevent disputes such as the controversy surrounding the proposed relocation of the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple off Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur.
MHS, the representative body for Hindus in Malaysia, said it is prepared to lead the body, in collaboration with the government, to ensure the rights and heritage of the Hindu community are safeguarded.
“This body should also initiate discussions with relevant authorities on legalising the status of Hindu temple lands to provide long-term security and protection for places of worship,” it said.
MHS said that while recent narratives have suggested that many Hindu temples operate illegally, it is unfair to do so without considering their historical and cultural contexts.
It said that historically, numerous temples were established during the British colonial era with appropriate approvals.
While other religious institutions sought formal recognition and regulation after Malaysia gained independence in 1957, many Hindu temples remained in their original locations.
MHS said subsequent land sales and urban development rendered the status of some of these temples ambiguous.
The council said that while Article 11 of the Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, it also noted that Article 13 safeguards property rights, affirming that no one shall be deprived of property save in accordance with the law.
“While Jakel (Trading Sdn Bhd) has legally acquired the land, the Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple holds deep historical and religious value to the Hindu community.
“Therefore, a fair and inclusive resolution must be reached, balancing the constitutional rights of all parties involved.”
The temple, which is located off Jalan Masjid India, sits on a plot of land across the road from Jakel Mall.
On Thursday, Jakel Trading’s legal head Aiman Dazuki said the company had acquired the land in 2012 and received permission in 2021 to begin constructing a mosque there, but had delayed the process “out of respect” for the process of relocating the temple.
He also said it was not possible to build the mosque without relocating the temple as the land was not large enough. He said the firm had agreed to pay for the cost of the temple’s relocation.
DBKL said a new site for the temple had been identified and promised that it would not demolish the temple until it is relocated..