Taking note of the resentment among the Hindu community over the demolition of some temples here, a top Malaysian minister has suggested that local authorities set aside permanent sites for the shrines.
The president of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and Works Minister Samy Vellu said no Hindu temple should be demolished until relocation plans had been made.
"There have been cases where temples located on government or private land have been forced to make way for development.
"However, in some instances, no alternative sites were given to relocate these temples," he was quoted by the local papers as saying.
He also commended Kuala Lumpur City Hall for setting up a unit to handle all matters pertaining to Hindu temples.
"I believe that Kuala Lumpur City Hall is the first local authority to establish such a unit to look into the affairs of Hindu temples and I wish to thank Kuala Lumpur Mayor Ruslin Hasan."
Vellu said Ruslin had also agreed to the formation of a five-member committee to monitor the relocation of temples.
{{/usCountry}}Vellu said Ruslin had also agreed to the formation of a five-member committee to monitor the relocation of temples.
{{/usCountry}}Ethnic Indians, mostly Hindus, comprise 10 per cent of the local population, which has a Malay Muslim majority. The population also comprises 25 per cent Chinese.
Malaysia allows Indians and Chinese to freely practice their religion.