Selangor: The Selangor government will take action in accordance with the law against houses of worship built illegally, adopting a prudent approach to ensure social harmony, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. He stated that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement yesterday that no unregulated houses of worship would be allowed to be built would expedite the implementation of existing measures in Selangor.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amirudin mentioned that Selangor already has a structured system to address the issue through the Selangor Five Religions Houses of Worship Committee (LIMAS), which has been in place for a long time. Over the past 15 years, the state has not only allowed houses of worship to operate at appropriate and lawful locations but has also taken action to remove houses of worship that were built in an unregulated manner. Records of such actions date back to 2015, he said at a press conference after the ground-breaking ceremony of the Bestari Large-Scale Solar Project.
Amirudin emphasized that the state government would refine its enforcement methods in line with the law while ensuring social harmony. Local authorities (PBTs) are also involved in the committee coordinated by LIMAS, considering various issues including land status, ownership, land-use zoning, and the impact on surrounding areas.
Prime Minister Anwar has urged all state governments to comply with the federal government's directive on the construction of illegal houses of worship to ensure the country's safety and harmony. In Negeri Sembilan, all PBTs have been instructed to take immediate and prudent action against the construction of new unregulated houses of worship to ensure social harmony and more orderly development planning.
State Local Government Development, Housing and Transport Committee chairman J. Arul Kumar stated that early action and continuous enforcement are important to prevent prolonged issues that could create confusion in the future. He emphasized that any construction of new houses of worship without approval must be dealt with promptly in accordance with legal provisions. 'If the construction of a new house of worship does not receive approval, action must be taken at an early stage. If this matter is left unattended, the same issue may recur in the next 20 to 30 years. For houses of worship that have long existed, a harmonious and consultative approach should be prioritized,' he told reporters after visiting the Senawang 2 Flats in Seremban.