KUALA LUMPUR – The eviction of monks at the Sakyamuni Cave Monastery by cement giant APMC is a clear example of how money is more important than religious and spiritual heritage, said Law Siak Hong, former Perak Heritage Society president.
The Sakyamuni Cave Monastery is a Buddhist temple located along the foothills of Gunung Kanthan in Perak, which is half a billion years old.
It is facing eviction due to an Order 89 application filed by Associated Pan Malaysia Cement Bhd (APMC).
An Order 89 application allows a landowner to evict trespassers with a court order.
Speaking to The Vibes, Law Siak Hong said: “Where human occupation like the Sakyamuni Cave Monastery is concerned, yet again big money means more than mere religious and spiritual heritage.
“With operations located right at a source of limestone, YTL has a near-monopoly of the quarrying operations in the area.
“APMC (a subsidiary of YTL) is at Gunung Kanthan, between Chemor and Sg Siput, and YTL Cement is at Gunung Pondok.
“Limestone is a key material for cement manufacturing and is a non-renewable source greatly exploited in Perak.”
Law added that the cave is unique for its flora and fauna, just like all caves in the state, which have their unique characteristics.
“Each hill has endemic species of flora and fauna. It is a natural heritage that we simply cannot afford to lose in search of profits.
“You may say it’s ‘just another cave temple’; well, it is not. Each cave is different and each temple is different.
“The monastery is exceptional for its multi-level formation and continual occupation for a century and more.”
The Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Yellow Temple can also be found along the base of Gunung Kanthan, and are at risk should the Order 89 application prove successful in court. – The Vibes, June 1, 2021
