PPR residents want temple relocated before demolition

A group of residents from the Kg Baru Air Panas People’s Housing Project (PPR) has urged the Federal Territories Ministry to intervene in the possible demolition of a nearby Hindu temple.

Federal Territories Hindraf coordinator P Shivalingam said the ministry needs to ensure the temple will be moved to a suitable site before it is demolished.

"We have no problem with moving to a new site, but we want the authorities to find alternative land before demolishing the temple.

"The Land Office's action of issuing an eviction notice without any compensation is not reasonable," Shivalingam said to reporters at the housing area in Setapak today.

Also present were the temple committee and local residents. 

The temple was built 11 years ago, after residents requested land from the government.

"At the time, we were given an existing site to build the temple," said temple committee secretary A Kapila.

"Suddenly we were told the land has been sold to a private company. We were then pressured to clear out without any compensation."

As Shivalingam explained, there has been little development despite the private developer that bought the land meeting with temple committee more than five time.

"We suggested that the company buy a piece of land next to the PPR area, so the temple could move there," he said.

A Anthonysamy, a representative of Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, confirmed that the demolition of the temple has been postponed until a final decision is reached on the matter.

"I am here on the orders of Nik Nazmi to resolve this issue.

"We have been informed by the authorities that the demolition of the temple has been postponed until a more thorough solution is reached," he said. - Mkini