THE Selangor state government has moved to dispel growing public concern over proposed revisions to planning guidelines governing non-Islamic places of worship, insisting that the review is intended to enhance public safety, improve urban planning standards and accommodate the needs of the state's increasingly diverse communities.
Responding to criticism and misinformation circulating online, Selangor Human Resources and Poverty Eradication Committee chairman V. Pappraidu stressed that several claims regarding the proposed changes were inaccurate and had created unnecessary anxiety among religious groups.
At the centre of the controversy are proposed updates to the Selangor State Manual on Guidelines and Standards for Community Facilities Planning, which regulates the planning and development of non-Islamic houses of worship throughout the state.
Malay Mail cited, on Sunday, Pappraidu rejecting allegations that the revised guidelines would prevent non-Islamic places of worship from having access to major roads, explaining that the proposal merely requires the provision of service roads in suitable locations to improve traffic management and public safety.
“The requirement for service roads is based solely on traffic management and public safety considerations. Religious premises located along major roads often attract large crowds during festivals and special occasions, which may result in traffic congestion and safety risks,” he said.
According to the state government, the measure is designed to facilitate safer entry, exit and parking arrangements during religious gatherings while minimising disruption to surrounding traffic networks.
Pappraidu also dismissed claims that shrines erected at construction sites would be subject to demolition under the revised framework.
He explained that the guideline concerns temporary shrines established during the construction phase of a permanent place of worship and does not authorise arbitrary action against existing religious structures.
“Once the permanent temple or place of worship is completed, these temporary structures are expected to be relocated accordingly. The policy does not involve the arbitrary demolition of religious shrines,” he said.
The clarification comes amid heightened sensitivity surrounding matters involving places of worship and land allocation, particularly in a state with one of Malaysia’s most diverse religious populations.
Addressing concerns over limitations on building size and height, Pappraidu said the government remains open to reviewing existing planning standards, including current land allocations ranging from 0.10 to 0.20 hectares and height restrictions of 72 feet (21.9 metres).
As co-chairman of the Special Committee on Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Taoist Affairs (LIMAS), he emphasised that the state administration remains committed to protecting religious freedom while ensuring that development policies promote safety, harmony and sustainable urban growth.
“We urge the public not to be misled by inaccurate information and to refer only to official statements and verified sources regarding this matter. Constructive engagement and dialogue will continue to guide the state government’s efforts in refining these guidelines for the benefit of all Selangorians,” he said.
Pappraidu said the review and optimisation exercise had already received approval from the State Executive Council, reflecting the administration’s intention to ensure that planning regulations remain practical, inclusive and responsive to contemporary needs.
The state government also sought to underscore its track record in supporting non-Muslim religious institutions, pointing to a significant expansion in land allocations over the past two decades.
According to Pappraidu, Selangor has approved and issued 481 plots of land for non-Muslim places of worship since 2008, making it one of the most active states in facilitating the establishment and legalisation of religious sites for minority faith communities.
“Under the current administration alone, 57 plots have been approved, while another 40 applications are currently being processed. By the end of the year, the total is expected to surpass 500 approved sites,” he said.
The figures were presented as evidence of the government’s continuing commitment to ensuring adequate access to worship facilities for non-Muslim communities, even as planning regulations undergo review.
The latest clarification signals an effort by the Selangor administration to balance urban development requirements with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, while reassuring faith communities that the proposed guidelines are intended to improve governance rather than curtail religious practices. - June 7, 2026
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