THE Perak state government has affirmed that measures concerning places of worship constructed on unauthorised sites will be carried out systematically, guided by the law and ongoing consultation.
State Exco for Housing and Local Government, Sandrea Ng, said comments by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding the authority granted to local councils should be understood in the broader context of upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety.
“The main point of the Prime Minister’s statement is not to demolish buildings hastily. Rather, it underscores the need to comply with the law and ensure safety,” she told Sinar Harian on Tuesday.
Sandrea stressed that the state government respects freedom of religion, but all places of worship are subject to land laws, regulations, and local authority guidelines. She said the government’s approach is anchored in compliance, coordination, and structured resolution.
Religious committees are strongly encouraged to submit formal applications and adhere to prescribed procedures. “We do not promote the practice of ‘build first, apply later,’ but at the same time, the state government does not adopt a confrontational approach without consultation,” she added.
For older places of worship lacking formal land status, evaluations will consider the history of the site, planning suitability, safety factors, and the potential for legalisation or adjustment of status. Sandrea emphasised that such considerations will only proceed if public safety risks or reserve encroachments are not involved.
Regarding detailed data and religion-specific policies for places of worship in Perak, Sandrea noted that such matters fall under the purview of the relevant State Executive Council members.
In a related development, the state has established a Special Committee on Places of Worship in Caves and Hill-Slope Development to address longstanding issues where clear guidelines were previously lacking. New procedures require certified land surveys, risk assessment reports, appointment of safety officers, and insurance coverage.
“The pilot project is now in the final stages of planning approval and is expected to form the standard operating procedure for developments in sensitive areas in the future. Our aim is to ensure that all development, including places of worship, operates within the legal framework, is safe and sustainable,” she said.
Sandrea also emphasised that the state remains open to supporting compliant places of worship through official gazetting of religious reserve land and approval of activity funding. - February 11, 2026
