PETALING JAYA: Selangor has revised its guidelines for non-Muslim houses of worship, including requiring developers of large new townships to set aside land for religious purposes and provide supporting infrastructure.
Welcoming the revised guidelines, the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) said the changes were more inclusive and equitable.
The council said the updates reflected feedback gathered from stakeholders and faith-based groups during a series of engagements with the state government.
In a statement on Tuesday (June 23), CCM said the latest version of the guidelines was presented during the third meeting between the Selangor State Executive Council and leaders of various faith bodies on Monday (June 22).
The council said the meeting, attended by state excos Datuk Ng Suee Lim and Ng Sze Han, among others, informed that the state government had fulfilled its commitment to review and update PlanMalaysia Selangor’s guidelines.
The latest version incorporates feedback from previous discussions.
“The new guidelines apply only to new developments. Existing houses of worship will not be affected.
“Developers are required to surrender a piece of land, measuring at least 1.5 acres, to be designated for non-Muslim houses of worship in all new developments with a minimum population of 5,000 residents.
“Developers are also required to provide adequate access roads and other infrastructure, such as water and electricity,” the statement said.
The council added that the height of non-Muslim houses of worship is not capped, provided the buildings are designed in harmony with the surrounding development.
It said the guidelines also officially allow commercial, industrial and institutional land or properties to be used as non-Muslim places of worship.
“Meanwhile, access road and setback requirements for religious buildings have been made more flexible, subject to approval by local councils and the Special Committee on Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Taoist Affairs (Limas).
“The Limas Committee will act as a mediator and arbitrator in the event of disputes between property owners and local councils.
“On behalf of its member churches and organisations, CCM extends its deep appreciation to the Selangor Exco for listening to the concerns of non-Muslim communities by adopting these revised guidelines, which are more inclusive and fair.”
