KULIM: The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple committee is asking the state government to provide a suitable alternative plot for the temple's reconstruction after receiving a notice to vacate the temple's current grounds.
The temple, serving the Hindu community in Sungai Seluang since 1953, is scheduled for demolition to facilitate the expansion of the Kulim Hi Tech Park industrial zone.
The temple's chairman K Kheeshor Kumaar said that the state government has proposed a plot approximately 12 kilometres from the current site for the temple's reconstruction.
However, he said that the proposed location would not be convenient for the people who have been going to the temple.
"We do not oppose the development plan. What we are requesting is a new location closer to the existing site if we need to relocate the temple. The suggested location is about 12km away, which is quite far from the current temple site.
"Most of the devotees live within two kilometres of the temple. If the land office and the Kulim Hi-Tech Park Corporation (KHTP) suggest a new location that is far away, it will be difficult for regular attendees to visit," he told the New Straits Times when contacted.
Kheeshor also expressed concern that if the temple is reconstructed at the suggested site, it would be a financial waste as it would hardly be used.
"While the intentions of the authorities are good, if the temple is relocated too far, it will be challenging for people to come and pray. In the end, it will be a loss when money has been spent," he added.
He hopes that the matter could be resolved diplomatically by all involved parties to ensure mutual benefit.
"In fact, we have been informed by the local authorities that a lot of development is coming here. So, in the end, it will benefit us all, no matter what background we are from, our people can find employment and economic benefits," he added.
Commenting further, he advised the public not to speculate about the matter to maintain sensitivity among all parties.
"This matter involves a delicate issue, so we must not let emotions take over when discussing this. We need to talk to them calmly," he added.
On Thursday, it was learnt that the temple's committee was instructed by the state government to vacate the area, claiming they were squatting on state land.
However, Kheeshor denied this, saying that the temple was founded by estate workers in 1953 on land that was then part of an old estate managed by Sime Darby and is now on KHTP grounds.
Since 2022, the temple committee has received orders to vacate the land as it no longer belongs to Sime Darby. The committee have raised their concerns with the authorities, including meeting with the aide of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
