SELANGOR has 688 illegal Hindu temples, the state assembly is told.
Kuala Selangor district has the highest number at 207, of which 81 are located on government land and 126 on private land.
Special Committee for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (Limas) co-chairman V. Papparaidu said 285 of Selangor’s 973 Hindu temples were legal or gazetted, as of April 16.
He said the state government had identified several land lots reserved for non-Islamic places of worship.
“We are currently reviewing their suitability regarding planning, land status and local requirements, as well as their potential as relocation options, for long-standing houses of worship that cannot be gazetted at their existing sites.
“This approach ensures a more organised and practical solution that aligns with legal requirements and community harmony,” he said during the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam yesterday.
He was replying to Preakas Sampunathan (PH-Kota Kemuning) who asked about the total number of illegal temples.
According to the statistics, 433 of the illegal Hindu temples are on government land and 255 occupy private land.
Papparaidu, who is also state human resources and poverty eradication committee chairman, said Selangor was prioritising the legalisation of long-standing temples originally built without permits.
“I admit, the number of illegal temples in Selangor is worrying.
“We are currently meeting with the relevant technical departments, temple associations and residents to assist in legalising them,” he said in reply to Noor Najhan Mohamad Salleh (PN-Sementa) who asked about measures taken by the state to legalise temples.
Papparaidu urged temple committees to apply to Limas for special permits for temples currently being used for worship but built without approval.
“For illegal temples under construction, local authorities have the power to demolish them under Town and Country Planning Act 1976.
“We will try to resolve such issues on the ground in a harmonious way,” he said.
