The Selangor Menteri Besar’s office has denied news reports alleging that non-Muslim houses of worship can no longer be established near residential areas.

In a statement today, the Selangor Menteri Besar’s press secretariat said that the state’s policy on non-Muslim places of worship was that such premises must be built in an organised manner.

“This must also be done in accordance with the state government’s guidelines to ensure that all parties involved are satisfied,” said the secretariat.

New housing projects in Selangor must also take into account existing non-Muslim houses of worship on or near the project site.

“If a housing developer fails to take existing places of worship into account or at least prepare detailed plans for its relocation, with the agreement of all parties involved, the development plans will not be given approval.”

NONE According to reports by Free Malaysia Today yesterday and Tamil Nesan today, Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim ( left ) told the state assembly that non-Muslim houses of worship cannot be established near residential areas.

This was to avoid any conflict, such as the infamous ‘cow-head protest’ by Section 23, Shah Alam residents who were against the establishment of a Hindu temple in a Malay majority neighbourhood.

In another development, the secretariat revealed that the state government has approved 30 land titles for Hindu temples while another 15 are pending approval.

“Applications for the building of houses of worship needs to be studied in detail and each approval depends on the availability of land, suitability of the location and the needs of the residents in the surrounding areas,” read the statement.