The Orang Asli community of Kampung Jias, Kelantan, who saw their church demolished by the district authorities recently, will have the building replaced.

When contacted today, Gua Musang district officer Kamaruddin Awang said the government will build a new structure but on another site. In addition, it will bear the cost of construction.

Asked why the church had been demolished in the first place, he pointed out that the community had not obtained approval to put up the structure.

Kelantan state secretary Mohammad Aiseri could not be reached for confirmation.

State exco member Takiyuddin Hassan, contacted earlier, reserved comment until the matter is brought to his attention.

The land office had issued the villagers three 'stop work' orders before the bulldozers moved in, reducing the original structure to rubble .

Pastor Moses Soo said the community had embraced Christianity in February and wanted to erect a small church to mark their faith.

They consulted the Village Development and Security Committee and the Department of Orang Asli Affairs before constructing the church with the help of volunteers and donations on land made available by the village head.