Some 38 years after first submitting its application to use a land in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur, a Chinese temple has finally received approval this month.
The decision brought relief to the management of Ling Chun Tian Temple, which had stood on the 881sq m site since 1951.
Persatuan Rumah Berhala Ling Chun Tian Temple treasurer Soo Chee Huie said the committee received a letter from the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PTGWP) informing them of the change in land status.
The letter stated that the application to change land use at Jalan Jinjang Indah 7 was approved on Feb 17, 2017, he said.
“However, for unknown reasons, no official letter was issued to the temple at that time.
“The temple was originally located in Segambut before relocating to its current site in 1951, around the time new villages were being established in Jinjang.
“It was originally a wooden structure and was rebuilt in 1962,” he said, adding that the temple registered with the Registrar of Societies in 1986.
“The first committee had applied for the change in land use in 1988 and the matter was followed up through the years.
“The current committee is the 18th and we have finally received it,” he said during a site visit with Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng.
Lim said the committee had asked him to help expedite the process.
“In 2024, I helped the committee resubmit the application.
“PTGWP called for a meeting on Jan 29 and all the details were finalised, which led to the approval,” he said.
Lim said any land matter involving places of worship should be handled reasonably.
“As long as the operations do not block traffic or cause problems for people in the surrounding areas, it should be allowed.
“In Kepong, there are many shrines and temples on land that is not zoned for temple use or under the name of the management.
“Many places of worship are operating from houses and shoplots too.
“As long as the operations do not disrupt the peace, I will defend its right to remain at the site,” he said.
