SHAH ALAM, Oct 10: The Selangor government will host the state-level Deepavali Open House at Dataran Klang or Padang Chetty, Klang, on November 6.
State executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said this year’s celebration will feature special recognition for registered temples, acknowledging their contributions to the welfare of the Hindu community and the preservation of its traditions and heritage.
“As usual, we will hold the celebration at Padang Chetty, Klang, on November 6. We celebrate Selangor’s diversity with a variety of delicacies, dances, musical performances, and more.
“Everyone is invited to attend. I plan to grant recognition to registered temples in Selangor. We face an issue where some temples remain unregistered. We will invite the chairpersons of temples that do not have outstanding issues, such as land disputes or conflicts with local authorities, to participate,” he said.
He spoke to reporters after launching the presentation ceremony for tuition fee assistance offers aimed at B40 Indian community students attending public and private higher education institutions (IPTA and IPTS) at the Silver Jubilee Hall of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building here, today.
Elaborating further, Papparaidu said the initiative is part of an effort to address unregistered temples in Selangor, a matter that has long concerned both the State Government and the public.
He expressed hope this approach would help temple management committees secure proper recognition and resolve their registration status.
“I do not deny that most of these temples have been in existence for a long time. However, the government has changed, and we must comply with Act 171 and Act 172 which require buildings to be registered.
“The local authorities (PBT) are ready to assist them. We will help with the registration. We simply want these temples to be registered; however, we will relocate any temples that obstruct development or traffic. We will help resolve the matter,” he said.
Act 171 refers to Local Government Act 1976 while Act 172 is the Country Planning Act 1976.
Both laws are the primary pillars regulating the powers of Local Authorities, as well as physical development and land use, in Peninsular Malaysia.
