Perlis government defends temple demolition over land compliance

The Perlis state government has addressed the demolition of the Veeramakaliamman Temple in Bukit Lagi, stating the action was taken because the structure was built on unauthorized land without legal permission. Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah clarified that the state does not oppose the construction of temples or other houses of worship, provided they comply with regulations and are built in appropriate locations.

Abu Bakar noted that previous notices had been issued regarding the encroachment, but the temple management failed to comply. He encouraged committees of houses of worship facing similar issues to negotiate directly with the state government to find solutions.

The enforcement action drew criticism from Jelutong Member of Parliament RSN Rayer, who described the state administration as “arrogant and racist.” In response, local political leaders and the Perlis Mufti, Datuk Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, defended the move. The Mufti emphasized that the demolition should be viewed through the lens of legal compliance rather than political or racial sentiment, noting that all religious buildings must obtain planning permission from local authorities.