PETALING JAYA: The 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, located just across Jakel Mall in the busy Jalan Masjid India, will not be demolished, assured the management of Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd (Jakel).
The textile company said discussions over the past 10 years have always focused on a harmonious relocation process.
Its legal and corporate communications head Aiman Dazuki said since the land was taken over from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), various negotiations have been held with the temple administration to find the best solution.
"This matter is still under discussion, but I want to emphasise that there is no demolition involved.
"We understand the sensitivities involved, and we want a win-win situation that ensures the well-being of both parties," he said at a press conference on Thursday (March 20).
Jakel further clarified that the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for March 27 does not mean construction will begin immediately but it is merely a symbolic commitment to the project.
Jakel's chief executive officer Datuk Syed Nasrul Fahmi Syed Muhamad added that as the issue is still under discussion, DBKL has suggested several locations for the temple’s relocation.
However, Syed Nasrul noted that a final agreement on the relocation has not yet been reached.
Earlier Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif gave her assurances that the temple would not be demolished but would only be relocated with the consent of all parties involved.
She said the temple could continue its operations as usual until the relocation process is completed.
DBKL has identified a new location for the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, currently located on privately owned land in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur.
This comes in response to concerns over a private developer’s proposal to build a mosque on the land, prompting DBKL to step in to facilitate a fair and transparent resolution while upholding religious harmony.
DBKL said while it acknowledged the proposed construction of a mosque on land owned by a private company at Jalan Masjid India, it would take steps to prevent discrimination against any community.
