Perak Becomes First State to Introduce Circular Prohibiting Unauthorized Temple Construction on Government Land
Perak has marked another significant milestone in state governance by becoming the first state in Malaysia to introduce an official circular to regulate the construction of Hindu places of worship, specifically temples, on government reserve land.
The Perak State Director of Lands and Mines Circular No. 3/2025 was announced as a proactive measure to address issues related to illegal temple construction, which have caused confusion, community disputes, and enforcement challenges for local authorities.
Special Circular to Prevent Illegal Temple Construction
Perak State Executive Councillor for Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs, and National Integration, YB A. Sivanesan, explained that this circular introduces strict and clear guidelines for all land administrators and local authorities (PBT).
“The state government will not approve any new temple construction on government-owned land for at least five years. Any party wishing to build a temple must purchase their own land and comply with all PBT approval processes,” he asserted.
He added that this initiative is not intended to restrict religious freedom, but rather to ensure that all places of worship are built legally, registered, and comply with established laws.
New Temples Only on Private Land with Full Approval
The circular specifies that any temple found to be built on government land without approval will be subject to immediate enforcement action, including demolition while construction is still in progress.
This firm step was taken after the state government received 18 official complaints through the Public Complaint Management System (SISPAA) regarding unauthorized temple construction – most of which involved government reserve areas and public land.
Of that total, more than 60 percent of cases have been successfully resolved peacefully through dialogue and the relocation of the temples to more suitable sites purchased by the respective temple management.
Perak Pioneers Policy for Hindu Place of Worship Management
This circular establishes Perak as the pioneer of an official policy for the management of Hindu places of worship – a bold move that is also expected to serve as a benchmark and reference for other states in managing similar issues more systematically and integratedly.
The policy also includes guidelines regarding the management of Hindu burial grounds, so that they are no longer opened uncontrollably without checking the land status.
Efforts Aligned with Harmony and the Rule of Law
This state government measure is considered consistent with the principles of the Rukun Negara, particularly in ensuring that harmony between races and religions is preserved without compromising the rule of law and government land ownership.
Local authorities, land administrators, and community leaders are urged to cooperate fully in the implementation of this circular to prevent any negligence or political interference that could hinder the policy's execution.
Perak Creates New Path, Other States Likely to Follow
With the official enforcement of this circular, Perak proves its commitment to forming a more professional, legal, and integrity-driven management system for places of worship.
This step not only provides clarity to land administrators and PBT, but also provides certainty to all parties – that the issue of building places of worship can no longer be left without control or official guidance.
This circular is set to become a national benchmark, and it is not impossible that it will become the basis for a national-level policy in the near future.
