MB wants to settle Kanthan cave monastery matter amicably

The century-old Dhamma Sakyamuni Buddhist Caves Monastery. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

PERAK government will call for a meeting with all stakeholders over the issue related to the possible eviction of a century-old temple and cave monastery in Gunung Kanthan.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said the state wished to resolve the matter amicably and was now waiting for more details on the matter.

“We will need to discuss this with the landowner and several other groups involved.

“We do not want this matter to turn chaotic,” he said during a press conference.

When asked when the meeting would take place, Saarani said the state was still waiting for some reports before deciding on the date.

It was reported that Dhamma Sakyamuni Caves Monastery had been facing the possibility of eviction because of quarrying activities.

Monastery abbot Chiong Sai Tin had hoped the state would gazette the hill and monastery as heritage and religious sites.

Chiong’s call was echoed by heritage non-governmental organisation Badan Warisan Malaysia to preserve and protect the cave monastery for its heritage value.

On a separate matter, Saarani said the state would distribute 287 buffaloes to all 59 state constituencies for Hari Raya Aidiladha.

He said each constituency would get at least four buffaloes, which were donated by State Agriculture Development Corporation, State Secretary Incorporated, Mentri Besar Incorporated and State Development Corporation.

“The buffaloes will be sent to mosques, surau and abattoirs. It will be coordinated by the respective Muslim state assemblymen.

“For constituencies that do not have a Muslim assemblyman, the distribution will be coordinated by the district religious administrative officer,” he said.

Saarani reminded those celebrating the occasion or involved with the sacrificial ceremony to observe the standard operating procedure set by the National Security Council.

“Only 10 people can be involved in the sacrificial ceremony of one buffalo.

“Let’s not be careless and run afoul of the SOP,” he said.