Council withdraws 'reduce noise' notice to temple

The Kajang Municipal Council has withdrawn its Jan 8 notice ordering the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Bangi Lama to reduce its level of ‘noise' after 6pm.

The cancellation notice was issued last week after a meeting between the Kajang municipal president and temple committee officials, municipal councillor Shafie Ngah said.

Besides the cancellation of the notice, the officer who issued the Jan 8 notice to the temple committee was also called in and action would be taken against him.

"The notice of cancellation was issued last week. Appropriate action will be taken against the officer who issued the notice.

"However, the officer was following the council's SOP (standard operating procedure) for when there is a complaint, the officer will go to the site and issue a notice," Shafie said, without mentioning what action would taken against the officer.

"We have advised the officer not to take swift action on matters pertaining to places of worship. The officers have to inform the council president first, and he will make the decision.

"We are also aware of a directive issued by the state government. Hence, we have advised that on matters pertaining to places of worship, the municipal officers are required to know the state government directive," Shafie told Malaysiakini yesterday.

Ringing of bells normal for temples

The Star in a report on Sunday said the Sri Maha Mariamman temple was issued a notice to reduce its religious activities after 6pm.

Temple committee chairperson R Pannirselvam was quoted in the report as saying that a fine of RM1,000 or a jail term of six months, or both, would be imposed under Section 82(5) of the Local Council Act if the temple committee did not abide by the directive.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo (right) had in a statement, also on Sunday, called on the state to punish the officer or officers responsible for issuing the notice, for the order was simply outrageous.

"It is clearly against the Pakatan Rakyat spirit, and an attempt to again put Pakatan in bad light.

"It is normal for temples to conduct prayers between 6pm and 9pm during which time there will also be ringing of bells. This is a fact. It is well known to us and we respect this," Gobind said.