KUALA LUMPUR – MIC deputy president Datuk M Saravanan has refuted claims that the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Jalan Masjid India was constructed illegally.
He asserted that the allegations were baseless and misrepresented the temple’s long-standing presence in the area.
“This temple, which has stood for over 100 years, has always been here,” he said at a press conference held at the temple today.
He explained that in 2006, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had requested the demolition of the temple’s rear section, which housed the priest’s quarters, to facilitate road widening works.
“It was built on land owned by DBKL.”
Following that, the late Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu, then Works Minister, contributed RM80,000 for renovation efforts, Saravanan revealed.
He also clarified that the temple’s land was not designated as waqaf (endowment) land.
“I was deputy minister of federal territories from 2008 to 2013. The Land and Minerals Department (PTG) was under the ministry. The land was classified as a mixed development plot.
“In 2013, Loga Bala Mohan of PPP took over as deputy minister while I was transferred to the Youth and Sports Ministry.
“The PTG then came under the Chief Secretary to the Government when the alleged sale occurred.”
To substantiate his stance that the temple was not illegal, Saravanan presented two DBKL letters addressed to the temple chairman in October and December 2008.
“If the temple was illegal, why would DBKL carry out plot cleaning works? There wouldn’t be water and electricity supply if it were illegal.”
He also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his commitment to resolving the matter amicably.
The temple has come under scrutiny following an announcement by landowners Jakel Holdings that Masjid Madani would be constructed on the site. However, authorities have confirmed that no demolition will proceed until a suitable replacement site is provided for the temple.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque, officiated by Anwar, is set for March 27.
When asked if he was open to the mosque being built adjacent to the temple, Saravanan said the matter should be left to the current administration.
Misinformation to blame for temple controversy
Meanwhile, Saravanan attributed the ongoing controversy to misinformation within the Muslim community.
“If I were in their position, I would be angry too… It is understandable because they have not been given the correct information. This place of worship has existed for over 100 years,” he said.
He emphasised that the temple had never been relocated, countering claims that it was moved. Instead, only part of its structure was removed to accommodate road expansion.
Saravanan stressed the need for a balanced resolution to prevent further discord.
“The matter must be resolved in a ‘win-win’ manner to avoid worsening the situation.”
He also acknowledged discussions with Jakel Holdings regarding the land dispute.
“They (Jakel) are making efforts to find a resolution. The solution must be fair, and the temple should remain within this area.
“The government is already negotiating… we will leave it to them,” he added.
Previously, reports indicated that the temple faced demolition after DBKL approved the construction of a mosque on the site.
The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, located near Jakel Mall in Jalan Masjid India, is believed to be around 130 years old.
The land it occupies was sold by DBKL to Jakel Holdings, which also operates a shopping centre in the vicinity.
On March 20, DBKL said that it had identified a new location for the relocation of a house of worship in Jalan Masjid India. – March 23, 2025