National Hindu Temples Steering Committee has introduced a four-colour classification system to guide the lawful regularisation of unregistered Hindu temples across Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: The National Hindu Temples Steering Committee has introduced a structured four-category framework to address the longstanding issue of unregistered Hindu temples in Malaysia.
The committee, which held its second meeting on Friday, said in a statement that it unanimously endorsed the classification system to guide temples toward lawful regularisation based on their current documentation and land status.
- Green Category: Temples fully regularised, with complete documentation including gazette status and proper land ownership or approval.
- Yellow Category: Temples occupying land but lacking gazette status or proper land title documentation; the committee will assist them in applying for regularisation.
- Orange Category: Temples on government, agency, or private land with approval from landowners; options include land purchase or securing government land.
- Red Category: Temples without documentation, approval, or landowner agreements; solutions may involve land purchase or merging with registered temples.
The committee stressed that its mandate is not to arbitrarily register temples but to help them identify the most appropriate and legally compliant pathway toward regularisation.
It acknowledged that unregistered temples are a growing national concern that, if left unaddressed, could affect social harmony.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Hindu bodies nationwide, as well as state assemblymen and political party members, reflecting the committee’s bipartisan nature.
The committee plans to meet the prime minister and relevant ministers, including those responsible for national unity and housing, to ensure coordinated governmental engagement.
On the ongoing temple survey, around 450 temples have responded so far, and the committee urged all Hindu temples nationwide to submit their forms.
Additionally, the committee will provide support in legal, ritual, and other technical matters to ensure solutions are comprehensive and respectful of religious sensitivities.
It remains committed to a bipartisan, inclusive, and solution-oriented approach for the benefit of the Hindu community and the nation.
 The Sun Malaysia
