KULIM: The Kedah government's offer to provide an alternative plot of land for the relocation of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is still on the table even though the temple's committee had declined it.
Kedah Chinese, Indian and Siamese Communities and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Wong Chia Zhen said the offer was the best solution for all parties.
He said the state government remained open to finding a solution to the relocation of the 71-year-old temple, which faces demolition to make way for the expansion of the Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
"It would be better if the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is relocated to the offered site to provide convenience to nearby Hindu devotees. The current area has no residents," he said during a press conference at the Kulim District and Land Office today.
Wong, who is also Kulim assemblyman, said the proposed relocation would grant the temple a valid status as a house of worship.
"After several rounds of discussions and meetings, it was agreed that the state government, through the Kulim District and Land Office, would offer two plots for the relocation of the temple, with Kulim Hi-tech Park Corporation covering the relocation costs.
"But we did not receive feedback from the temple committee by the specified date in the offer letter."
He said the temple committee verbally rejected the offer on March 14, insisting on moving the temple to another location.
"The site they proposed is not suitable for a house of worship. It is a reserved plot owned by the municipal council.
"The selection of a site needs to consider the views and agreement of all relevant parties in the area."
Wong said the state government would continue to seek a peaceful and harmonious resolution to the issue.
"The government has no intention of demolishing the temple and continuously seeks a resolution for the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple devotees."
He hoped the issue would not be exploited for political gain as it concerned public order.
"This issue not only causes discomfort for the Indian community, especially Hindu devotees, it also affects the state government's efforts to meet their needs."
Earlier, the temple committee's chairman, K. Kheeshor Kumaar, said the committee did not oppose the government's development plan. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1052484/temple-seeks-closer-r...)
However, he said, the location proposed by the state government is not convenient as it is more than 11km away from the temple's original site.