A TEMPLE chairman has appeared in court to face allegations of trespassing on private land in Dengkil, Selangor, after a dispute over unauthorised structures at the site.
The accused, M Paramaguru, 49, who also works as a security guard, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read before Magistrate Khairatul Animah Jelani at the Sepang Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
According to the charge, Paramaguru allegedly entered land belonging to Suhaili Ahmad without permission at Jalan Selangor, Dredging, Dengkil on 19 June last year at 4.45 pm, committing an offence under Section 447 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment, a fine up to RM3,000, or both.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Iznina Hanim Hashim requested bail of RM8,000 with one local surety. The defence counsel, Darshela Hari Raja, petitioned for a lower bail, citing Paramaguru’s modest earnings of RM1,800 per month and family responsibilities, including two young children aged six years and 11 months, and a 41-year-old wife who is a homemaker.
"Given that my client has fully cooperated with the police and has no prior criminal record, we respectfully request a lower bail amount," Darshela told the court.
Magistrate Khairatul Animah Jelani subsequently granted bail at RM4,000 with one surety, and set 12 March as the date for the submission of documents.
Paramaguru was taken into custody at his home in Jalan Selangor, Dredging, Dengkil at 3.30 pm on Sunday.
The case arises amid ongoing tensions over unauthorised structures built on private land in Taman Topaz.
Owner Suhaili Ahmad had reportedly issued a notice requiring the temple management to remove all statues and property within a week before taking further action.
Community activist Tamim Dahri confirmed that the notice followed construction of several temple buildings without approval, with land repossession operations scheduled for 9 January 2026.
The development underscores broader challenges in managing religious sites on private property and maintaining compliance with local authorities. - February 9, 2026
