Two shrines demolished after 14-year warning

The second operation of the Temple Demolition Structure at Bandar Botanik, Bukit Tinggi, Klang, Selangor on Wednesday. FEBRUARY 26,2020. - MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star.

TWO Hindu shrines located on a small plot of land between Sungai Aur and Jalan Remia 2 in Bandar Botanic Klang were finally demolished on Wednesday (Feb 26), since receiving its first warning letter by the state to move out some 14 years ago.

An excavator was seen tearing down the concrete structures right after worshipers carried out a few statues of Hindu deities, along with other prayer items used at the shrine.

According to the Klang District and Land Office chief assistant district officer Mohd Shahrizal Mohd Salleh, the shrine operators have been given ample warning and time to move to another location identified by the state.

"The state has offered them a plot of land in Kuala Langat but the offer was rejected.

"We have also given them four warnings to move out with the first notice issued in November 2006, followed by another in October 2017, January 2020 and the final one on Feb 17," he said.

When the final notice was issued, the shrine operators appealed for some time to move and a week was given by the state.

However, a week came and went but the shrines were still operating as usual.

"In fact, the shrines were supposed to be demolished on Feb 17 together with the cow farm which was operating beside it but because temple operators appealed for more time, the state granted it," he said.

During the previous raid, officers from the land office were seen demolishing a goats' pen and two cowsheds which housed 60 goats and 80 cows.

Operators of the farm have been given two plots of land at Olak Lempit in Tanjung Dua Belas Kuala Langat to relocate their animals under the Cattle Rearing Translocation Project.

During the operation, numerous police personnel and Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) trucks were seen parked in the vicinity accompanied by a water cannon vehicle which was on standby.

Thankfully the demolition went on peacefully and the shrine operators and temple worshipers who were present gave authorities their full cooperation.

Also present were officers from the Klang Municipal Council (MPK), Tanaga Nasional Berhad, Air Selangor Berhad, Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) and Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS).

"This operation has to be done because the land is partly a river reserve and the other portion belongs to Jais.

"Jais has plans to build a Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim here and construction works will be starting soon," he said.

Shahrizal added that ample time has been given to operators to move.

He also reminded others to not encroach or squat on government land as action can be taken under Section 425 of the National Land Code (KTN) 1965.

Under the KTN, the charges carry jail time of no more than two years, a fine of up to RM500,000 or both. - Star