The much protested row of public toilets located opposite the Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple in Klang will be converted into a souvenir shop.

The decision was made yesterday by the Tourism Ministry which had funded construction of the toilets. The decision was communicated to the parties involved by ministry secretary-general Dr Ong Hong Peng.

klang toilet near mosque temple church 140409 The ministry also said it was in the process of identifying alternative locations where the toilets could be built.

This marks the end of a squabble between the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) and a group of local NGOs led by the Shah Bandaraya MIC division chairperson KP Samy who opposed the location of the toilets, it being smack in front of the temple.

"I am satisfied with the ministry's decision for the time being. Our request has been fulfilled," said Samy when contacted by Malaysiakini today.

In addition to being located right opposite the famous temple, the toilets were also within the vicinity of a mosque and two churches, prompting objections by local residents who also felt that the location was inappropriate.

Tourist attractions

Samy had last week led a group of 80 shop-owners in submitting a protest letter to both the King and MPK and had threatened to hold a protest if the project had been continued.

He claimed that a small group of NGO members and PKR supporters had staged a demonstration at the area on April 20 to protest against the project.

kp samy interview 300108 point When the matter blew up, Selangor exco member Xavier Jayakumar remarked that the issue was being exploited by Samy ( left) to gain publicity for himself.

He insisted that the toilets would be built and completed on schedule and remain where they were.

Samy today lamented that the issue had been viewed as a political one.

"It should not have mattered which party I am from. The decision to protest against the project took into account of the feelings of the different religions involved," he said.

The Sri Maha Mariamman temple together with the other places of worship are all located in Tengku Kelana - also fondly known as ‘Little India' and is a popular tourist attraction.