Summary

  • DBKL says it will be relocating a Hindu temple in the city centre to an identified site, as part of the land it sits on now is owned by a private company.

  • It clarifies that the mosque project to replace the 130-year-old temple at the site is not a govt proposal but the private company’s.

  • Temple relocation will be done fairly and transparently, city hall adds.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has identified a new site to relocate a Hindu temple reportedly set to be demolished.

DBKL said the issue arose as part of the land that houses the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple is owned by a private company.

“The project was not a proposal by the government, but by the private company as the rightful land owner.

“The temple relocation will be done fairly and transparently with the interest parties to ensure a smooth implementation.

“DBKL is also committed to not undertaking any demolition of the temple, which can remain operational as usual until the relocation is completed,” it said in a statement today.

The temple, which is reportedly 130 years old, is opposite Jakel Mall in the city centre.

No discrimination

DBKL assured that it would not discriminate against anyone on religious grounds, asserting that every step taken is in line with the constitutional right to freedom of religion.

Yesterday, MalaysiaNow reported that the proposed mosque would be named “Masjid Madani” and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony later this month.

Former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan and rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) will be holding a press conference on the issue this morning.

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