By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, July 3 — The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is working closely with the Selangor government through the state's Non-Muslim Religious Affairs Special Committee to address issues involving illegal places of worship, including efforts to regularise or relocate the sites.
Its minister, Nga Kor Ming, said enforcement actions are coordinated with technical agencies and state governments to ensure such cases are handled carefully and in accordance with planning and building laws.
"KPKT continues to balance practical realities with social diplomacy," he said in a written parliamentary reply dated yesterday.
"The approach taken is prudent and proactive, through coordination with technical agencies and the state government via its Non-Muslim Religious Affairs Committee to regularise and reorganise the sites."
He added that the approach sends a clear signal that all structural developments must comply with regulations, while urging community leaders and religious organisations to consult the authorities and adhere to the relevant guidelines before constructing any building.
Nga was responding to a question from Besut MP Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh on how the government coordinates with state governments and local authorities to address illegal places of worship, including those built on government premises such as hospitals.
According to Nga, Selangor recorded the highest number of complaints involving illegal places of worship, with 450 of the 871 complaints lodged nationwide.
Perak ranked second with 101 complaints, followed by Penang with 93.
Nga said local authorities may take action against illegal structures under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) and the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), which require planning permission and written approval before any building, including places of worship on government land or premises, is constructed.
He added that local authorities are empowered to issue stop-work orders, order the removal of structures or demolish illegal buildings.
For cases involving federal land, he said the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) coordinates enforcement with the relevant state authorities.
"The federal government recognises that the issue of illegal places of worship cannot be resolved by a single party.
"The key to a swift and comprehensive solution lies in close, inclusive and continuous coordination among ministries, state governments and local authorities," he said.
