Selangor must listen to concerns over worship guidelines

 

OVER the past few days, I have been following the discussions and concerns raised regarding the proposed guidelines for non-Islamic places of worship in Selangor.

I understand why many people are worried, and I want to assure everyone that these concerns are not being ignored.

For many of us, temples, churches and gurdwaras hold deep meaning and are much more than buildings. They are places where families gather, communities come together and faith is nurtured. That is why I understand why this issue matters so much to many people.

As Co-Chairman of LIMAS, I work closely with these communities and religious institutions. Over the years, I have met with temple committees, church leaders and community representatives to help resolve issues involving land, approvals and other longstanding matters. As such, when concerns are raised, I take them seriously.

Some have asked where I was when these guidelines were approved, including through a recent article in Focus Malaysia.

I respect the right of anyone to ask that question, but I also believe that being in government is not simply about approving documents. It is also about listening to feedback and being prepared to review decisions when genuine concerns arise.

That is exactly what happened in this case. Once feedback began coming from religious groups and community leaders, the Selangor Government decided to pause the implementation of the guidelines and conduct further engagement.

To me, this is not a sign that something has gone wrong. Rather, it demonstrates a willingness to listen and respond to the concerns of the people.

These guidelines were never intended to restrict religious freedom or make life more difficult for non-Islamic communities.

They form part of a broader review of planning guidelines aimed at ensuring development in Selangor remains orderly and sustainable as the state continues to grow.

There has also been some confusion regarding access to places of worship from main roads. There is no ban. Discussions regarding service roads were based on traffic flow and safety considerations, particularly during major religious celebrations when attendance can be very large. The intention was never to restrict access to places of worship.

There have also been claims that temples and shrines would be demolished. This is not true. The provision applies only to temporary shrines located within active construction sites and does not give anyone the authority to arbitrarily demolish places of worship.

As for the proposed land size and building height requirements, these were intended as planning recommendations. If there are aspects that require further discussion or improvement, then we should discuss them openly and work together to find better solutions.

It is also important to consider the Selangor government’s track record on this issue. Since 2008, a total of 481 plots of land have been approved and issued for non-Islamic religious purposes.

Under the current administration alone, 57 sites have been approved, while another 40 applications are being processed. By the end of this year, the total number of approved sites is expected to exceed 500.

This reflects years of work to help temples, churches and other places of worship obtain proper land status and resolve longstanding issues.

I do not view this as a conflict between the government and the community. The feedback we have received is valuable because it helps identify areas that require improvement and ensures that any final guidelines are practical, fair and accepted by the communities they affect.

I will continue engaging religious organisations, community leaders, local councils and all relevant stakeholders. Our goal is simple: to protect religious freedom, address practical concerns and ensure that planning policies work for everyone.

I look forward to continuing to work with all parties to find the best solutions to issues that affect our communities. 

V. Papparaidu Veraman is a Selangor state exco member and co-chairman of LIMAS.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia