KUALA LUMPUR — The contentious issue of the potential relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathra Kaliamman temple could be settled through a harmonious compromise that will see the 130-year-old Hindu temple and a new mosque coexist on the same plot of land.
It is learnt that Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd is considering a solution that would see both places of worship standing side by side, ensuring a peaceful resolution to the land dispute.
According to a highly placed source, the textile company, which claims to be the rightful owner of the land, is exploring the possibility of building its mosque on an adjacent empty plot while allowing the temple to remain.
This initiative is believed to have been taken by the private company to ensure a fair resolution while preserving social harmony and avoiding any racial or religious tensions.
However, the adjacent plot is also privately owned, and Jakel is expected to negotiate its acquisition.
“The company that owns the temple is looking for solutions to settle the matter as peacefully as possible to avoid hurting the sentiments of the Indian community,” said the source.
“But the fact remains that Jakel did purchase the land in 2014 and has all the supporting documentation to support its claim. As the rightful owner, it has the authority to develop the land as it sees fit.
“The company is also ready to work with DBKL to find an alternative location for the temple and (offered to) contribute to the construction of a new temple as compensation and to avoid racial disunity.”
Despite these efforts, convincing the temple management to relocate is expected to be challenging, as they remain firmly opposed to giving up the temple’s land.
“As a result, Jakel is now exploring the purchase of the empty plot of land next to the temple and is negotiating a fair price to build a mosque while ensuring both places of worship can coexist peacefully,” said the source.
However, acquiring the additional land may not be straightforward, as the current owner could have its own development plans.
“It is uncertain what the private entity plans to do with the land, but securing it will not be cheap, and the negotiation process could take time,” the source explained.
“For now, Jakel is collaborating with DBKL to convince the temple management to agree to a relocation, with Jakel offering financial assistance for the construction of a new temple. Even if the plan doesn’t materialise, Jakel has assured that it will not demolish the temple and will explore alternative solutions.”
Earlier, DBKL confirmed that no demolition would take place at the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said that the temple could continue operating as usual until the relocation process is finalised.
Jakel has also publicly affirmed that no demolition would take place. Its head of legal and corporate communications, Aiman Dazuki, stated that discussions with the relevant parties had been ongoing for over a decade, focusing on a harmonious relocation process. — March 22, 2025