Unity Ministry backs special committee for houses of worship with land issues as King calls for rule of law

KUALA LUMPUR: The Unity Ministry has voiced support for a proposal to establish a national-level committee to resolve the long-standing issue of unauthorised houses of worship in the country.

The suggestion, put forward recently by senior lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, calls for a streamlined, expert-led body to address religious structures built without proper legal authorisation across Malaysia.

Echoing the proposal, Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the committee should comprise experts in religious affairs, local government regulations, land law and legal practice.

Aaron was responding to a decree issued earlier today by Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, who said mutual respect is essential in handling religious matters, including issues involving temples, to prevent misunderstandings and strengthen national unity.

Sultan Ibrahim said Islam emphasises mutual respect among all people and does not prevent followers of other religions from practising their respective beliefs and forms of worship. Followers of other religions, he added, should also show respect towards Islam.

“This approach of mutual respect is essential to avoid misunderstandings, tension, and provocation, while simultaneously strengthening unity among citizens of diverse religions and cultures,” Sultan Ibrahim said.

He also warned against politicising the matter, saying it should be addressed through the law and legal channels governing the construction of mosques, churches and temples.

Aaron said existing laws already provide a clear roadmap for the construction of religious buildings. These include the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), which gives local authorities the power to regulate building structures; the National Land Code (Act 828), which requires land to be officially designated as a house of worship site before construction begins; and the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), which governs zoning and urban planning.

“Any attempt to politicise issues surrounding houses of worship is inappropriate, as this is fundamentally a matter of legal compliance, official procedures and public safety,” Aaron said.

“Issues regarding the construction of houses of worship must be resolved through dialogue and negotiation with all stakeholders. The ministry provides full space for constructive discussion and negotiation processes, with the goal of achieving solutions that are fair, harmonious and grounded in the law.”

Houses of worship built on land belonging to others have been a recurring issue over the decades, but the matter has gained renewed traction in recent times.

A rally against allegedly illegal temples was scheduled in front of the Sogo shopping complex. Police ordered the gathering to be cancelled. However, organisers attempted to proceed, resulting in the arrest of several individuals.

On Feb 9, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government had empowered local councils to act against any house of worship intentionally built in breach of the law. He added that the government would no longer permit the construction of such buildings if they failed to comply with regulatory requirements.

Anwar also called on state governments to set aside political differences and comply with the federal government’s decision on illegal houses of worship.