Small Altars Can Be Built In Residences

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SHAH ALAM, 19 Dec: ‘Altars’ or small shrines for individuals and families built within the house do not need approval from Local Authorities (PBT).

However, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that approval must be obtained to build additional or other structures outside the house.

The decision was made after reviewing reports of the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp) on the issue of demolition of an “altar” in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi last month.

“MPS has already explained to the State Government regarding the demolition of the altar in Sepang.

“We have received and examined the memorandum from communities of the race, apart from views of other groups, asking us to find a suitable way to solve this problem.

“So, we have come to a decision,” he told reporters here, in a press conference after chairing the Exco meeting at the State Government headquarters.

Abdul Khalid said that the State Government will look into the operations of the MPSp to be fair to all parties.

On November 20, a total of 30 MPSp enforcement officers entered the compound of a Hindu, Umah Devi in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi and demolished a small altar which was built there.

The action was reproved by several parties, claiming that the State Government had violated the family’s freedom of worship.

Consequently, the State Government initiated an investigation into the operation after it was revealed that it did not get approval from the Head of MPSp, Sayuthi Bakar and other Excos in charge of non-Muslim affairs.


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