Putrajaya Halts Development at 163 Unauthorised Worship Sites in KL, Sets Up Targeted Resolution Mechanism
KUALA LUMPUR: The federal government has enforced an immediate suspension on any construction or expansion involving 163 unauthorised non-Muslim places of worship situated on public land in the capital, as it moves to resolve the issue through a structured and consultative approach.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the initiative will be supported by the creation of 11 dedicated sub-committees, each led by local Members of Parliament, to address the status of existing sites through engagement with stakeholders.
The move follows a recent coordination meeting chaired by Yeoh, which brought together Kuala Lumpur MPs and representatives from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism Christianity Hinduism Sikhism and Taoism, marking a broader and more inclusive effort to tackle the longstanding matter.
Balanced and rules-based approach
Yeoh said the government’s strategy is grounded in balancing legal compliance with community considerations, ensuring that solutions are both fair and practical.
“This approach reflects our commitment to resolving sensitive matters responsibly while preserving harmony in a diverse society,” she said.
The Jabatan Wilayah Persekutuan (JWP) has completed a mapping exercise that identified all 163 unauthorised sites across Kuala Lumpur’s parliamentary constituencies.
Decentralised engagement for tailored solutions
Each of the 11 sub-committees will focus on specific constituencies, facilitating direct discussions with religious organisations, community representatives and relevant authorities to develop workable outcomes for existing structures.
This decentralised model is intended to ensure that decisions are informed by local context and community realities.
Immediate enforcement on new activity
Authorities have made it clear that any new construction or expansion at these sites is strictly prohibited from now on. Violations will be subject to enforcement action by local councils.
However, Yeoh emphasised that enforcement will be carried out with sensitivity, taking into account the social and cultural dynamics of affected communities.
National framework being refined
At the same time, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government is reviewing and refining national guidelines for the management of non-Islamic places of worship, with the aim of establishing clearer and more consistent standards nationwide.
The updated framework is expected to improve coordination and reduce similar issues in the future.
Yeoh expressed confidence that the collaborative and structured approach would lead to sustainable solutions while maintaining social cohesion in the Federal Territories.
-wilayah.com.my
