Photo: Bernama
IPOH: Perak will draw up guidelines for the construction of Hindu and Buddhist temples in the state, and will also start clamping down on illegally-built houses of worship, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic).
During his winding-up speech at the state assembly sitting, the Perak Mentri Besar said illegal temples may have safety issues that could cause harm to devotees and visitors.
"We have set up a special committee focussing on non-Islamic matters as well as a house of worship committee to discuss construction outlines for Hindu and Buddhist temples in Perak.
"We have approved a policy to do away with illegal Hindu temples on Oct 12.
"The approval also includes creating terms of reference for the Hindu Temples Committee to discuss all related issues such as the legalisation of illegal Hindu temples and guidelines to build Hindu temples in the state," he said at the State Secretariat building here on Wednesday (Dec 28).
Saarani added that the guidelines were drafted by the Perak Land and Mines Office through several meetings and seminars between technical departments, representatives from various religious associations and elected assemblymen.
"The state government has also approved guidelines for temple disposal, special terms for temples built on government-owned land and enforcement procedure under Section 425 of the National Land Code for houses of worship that have been built illegally.
"With the approval, no illegal temples are allowed in the state and enforcement action can be taken," he said.
On the issue of the RM600,000 education fund given to national athlete Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi, Saarani said the amount is to fund his cost of study in the United States.
"Muhammad Azeem will be studying at Auburn University and the amount given is for his period of study which will take at least three years to complete.
"He is a Perak-born athlete who broke the 100m sprint national record at a world-level championship and we should all be proud of him," he added.
Saarani also commented on the reopening of the Pengkalan Hulu-Betong border gate, which has been delayed.
"Even before the movement control order in 2020, the state government had been conducting research on the redevelopment of business stalls in the border area," he said.
He added that among the factors that need consideration are border safety issues and the socio-economic development in Pengkalan Hulu.
The Perak Budget 2023 was also approved by all assemblymen present shortly after Saarani's speech.
