Kuala Lumpur: The issue over the temple site near Jalan Masjid India has been resolved, with the temple management agreeing to relocate to a new location, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said. She announced that the government, in collaboration with stakeholders, has identified a new site for the temple’s relocation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the discussions involved various stakeholders, including the temple management. The new site measures 4,000 square feet (371.6 square meters) and is located about 50 meters from the current location. This new site, which is part of Lot PT 95, Section 40, Mukim Bandar Kuala Lumpur, matches the size of the existing temple area. The development will adhere to existing regulations, and the temple management has accepted these conditions.
The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple Committee secretary Kaarthik Gunaseelan, MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M Saravanan, and Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan. The relocation discussions, which began on March 20, involved the temple, the landowner Jakel Group, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for a new mosque on Jalan Masjid India will proceed as planned on Thursday. Dr Zaliha assured that there will be no demolition of the existing temple structure, and it will remain operational until the relocation is completed.
Dr Zaliha emphasized that this resolution is specific to this case and should not serve as a precedent for other worship houses. Each case will be evaluated individually, considering guidelines, land status, and regulations. She also urged compliance with guidelines for any new place of worship and discouraged incitement of racial or religious sentiments during this process.
She concluded by saying that the government remains committed to respecting the rights and beliefs of all religious communities while ensuring fairness and inclusivity in decision-making.