Selangor’s MB has mandated improved procedures for handling unauthorised houses of worship, stressing legal processes and mediation to prevent unrest.
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has ordered improvements to state procedures for handling illegal houses of worship. He called for immediate action by local authorities and clearer standard operating procedures for the state’s Five Religions Houses of Worship Committee.
Amirudin stressed that no party should take the law into their own hands. For structures on private land, he said landowners must obtain a court order for any eviction or demolition.
The Selangor State Security Council has activated a formal process for landowners. They must lodge a police report if they find trespassing and an unauthorised structure on their property.
This allows police to investigate potential trespassing offences. Landowners must also send a formal notice to the trespassers and inform their District Office.
A District Security Committee, chaired by the District Officer, will then act as a mediator. It will summon all relevant parties to seek a reasonable solution.
“If this process fails to yield results, the JKD will advise the landowner to proceed with court action,” Amirudin said. He added this approach prevents incidents that could trigger unrest.
The directives follow a meeting of the Selangor State Security Council. It was attended by the state police chief, military representatives, council presidents and district officers.
The meeting addressed public security, specifically concerning houses of worship. This follows an incident in Rawang which has caused public unease.
“The police are investigating an incident in Rawang yesterday, and it will go through the appropriate legal process,” Amirudin stated. He said the issue must be addressed to protect racial and religious harmony.
The state has identified two main categories of unlawful houses of worship. These are structures occupying state-owned land and those built on private property.
The Sun Malaysia
