Perak Land Office revokes eviction notices served on 19 temples

The eviction notices served on 19 cave temples in the Kinta district in Perak have been revoked, Perak MCA chairperson Dr Mah Hang Soon announced.

Taking to social media, Mah said the decision was made by the state Land and Mines Department following a dialogue meeting between him, representatives from 19 cave temples and the department earlier today.

The department director agreed that some of the cave temples were culturally and historically significant, he said.

"I will set up and chair a temporary committee to continue discussions with the department to work out the solution to the land usage and management," Mah said.

The department and temple committees will discuss several feasible solutions to solve the issues faced by the temples so that the temples can legally occupy the existing land.

This included plans to gazette the land sites for temple use or granting a temporary occupancy licence to the temples, Mah said.

He added: "The department will send experts to survey and evaluate the cave temples, ensuring the safety of the caves and temples, as well as protecting the nature and historical monuments.

"We will raise the awareness and (have the committees) to ensure future activities in temples and caves will not damage nature and historical monuments."

It was reported that the cave temples - including the 155-year-old Nam Thean Tong Cave Temple - were served with notices last Friday to vacate their premises within 30 days. - Mkini