Selangor initiative aims to help places of worship obtain permits
Selangor is stepping up efforts to regularise some 700 unregistered Hindu temples on state and private land.
State human resources and poverty eradication committee chairman V. Papparaidu (pic) said the government planned to work alongside Malaysia Hindu Sangam and local councillors to guide temple management committees through the process, while also assisting with building plan approvals.
“To ease the process, the state government is calling on management committees of unregistered temples to proactively engage with authorities,” he said at a press conference in Shah Alam announcing the upcoming state-level Deepavali celebration.
Papparaidu, who also co-chairs the Special Committee for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (Limas), said that Indian local councillors had been tasked with identifying and reaching out to temples within their respective jurisdictions.
During the Selangor State Assembly sitting in April, Papparaidu said that only 285 of 973 Hindu temples were legalised or gazetted as of April 16.
Statistics showed that 433 unregistered Hindu temples were situated on government land while 255 occupied private property.
He urged committees operating temples built without prior approval to submit permit applications directly to Limas.
In announcing the state’s Deepavali Open House, Papparaidu said it would be held at Dataran Klang@Padang Chetty in Klang on Nov 14, from 6pm to 11.30pm.
The event will feature special recognition for 50 registered temples, acknowledging their contributions to community welfare and cultural preservation.
The state government is expecting an estimated 10,000 visitors.
Themed “Cahaya Perpaduan, Selangor Sejahtera”, the event will feature Indian cultural performances, festive food and beverages, and Deepavali money packets for children.
“We want children to experience the festive spirit through duit Deepavali packets while appreciating the performances and food,” said Papparaidu.
“Most importantly, this celebration offers a chance to gather, share joy and bring people of various races together.”
He said this year’s theme reflected a vision of light as a symbol of unity, hope and harmony in building an inclusive, prosperous society.
