SEPANG, Feb 9 — The Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang) is ready to carry out demolition action against houses of worship built without approval, particularly on government reserve land, subject to directives from the state government.
Its President Ani Ahmad said the council supports Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance allowing the local authorities to take action against any houses of worship constructed illegally, regardless of religion.
“We welcome (the Prime Minister’s approval). This is because reserve land is sometimes intended for future development use.
"Therefore, we will wait for instructions from the state government. If it instructs us to proceed, we will carry it out. Yes, we are ready,” she said during the Afternoon Tea with the Media event at the Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA in Sepang recently.
Ani added that MPSepang is currently identifying and updating its inventory of illegal houses of worship sites.
She stressed that the construction of houses of worship cannot be carried out arbitrarily, even on vacant land, because it is subject to land-use regulations and development planning requirements.
“They cannot build at will, even if the area appears vacant. It is against regulations.
"Some developments cause disturbances and make surrounding residents feel uncomfortable. These are the matters we will take action on,” Ani said.
Demolition actions will be carried out in an integrated manner together with the district office and relevant agencies, including the police, to ensure safety and the smooth execution of the process.
Earlier today, Anwar said that the local authorities are allowed to take action against any houses of worship built in violation of the law, as the due legal process must be prioritised so that any issues can be resolved in an orderly manner.
Previously, the Selangor State Special Committee on Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Taoist Affairs' co-chairman Papparaidu Veraman said that 58 temples have completed the regularisation process and have been placed at designated Non-Muslim houses of worship sites.
Various approaches have been taken to address issues related to the placement of houses of worship, including the demolition of structures that do not meet legal requirements.
Temples built on land owned by other parties or in breach of regulations had to be demolished, while eligible ones were relocated in an orderly and legally compliant manner.
