SHAH ALAM, Nov 1 — The Selangor government has confirmed that three non-Muslim houses of worship in Petaling Jaya were built illegally on cemetery land owned by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), and said enforcement action will proceed once a suitable relocation site is finalised.
State executive councillor for Islam Dr Fahmi Ngah said a report has been lodged by Jais to the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the Petaling District and Land Office, urging for appropriate enforcement actions in accordance with existing laws.
"The encroachment involves the construction of three non-Muslim houses of worship, namely a Gurdwara and two temples on cemetery land owned by Jais at PJS4," he said in a statement today.
"At present, several proposed alternative sites are being reviewed by MBPJ.
"Enforcement action will still be carried out. However, the process will require some time as land matters related to the new site must be studied and resolved in accordance with legal procedures."
Fahmi said the proposed new site must meet several conditions, including being located on land officially gazetted by the Petaling District and Land Office for non-Muslim houses of worship, and having a reasonable land size.
The location must also be within a suitable distance to ensure accessibility for existing worshippers.
He added that all costs for demolishing the existing structures, relocating, and developing the new premises must be fully borne by the Gurdwara and temples, as their representatives have acknowledged that the current buildings were constructed without legal approval.
"All parties involved are advised to remain calm and to refrain from politicising or turning this matter into a racial issue that could harm community harmony," Fahmi said.
