130-year-old temple in Malaysia's capital to be demolished for building Mosque

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – A controversy has erupted over the plan to demolish the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur to build a mosque. It is being reported that the land on which this temple is built was purchased by a textile company, which now intends to construct a mosque there. The inauguration of the mosque is expected to be conducted by Malaysia’s Prime Minister.

1. The 130-year-old temple is dedicated to Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman and has been a centre of devotion for generations. It was originally built on government land, which was later sold in 2014 to a textile company named ‘Jakel’. The late founder of Jakel, Mohamed Jakel Ahmad, purchased this land with the intention of constructing a mosque and gifting it to the Muslim community.

🛕 130-Year-Old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple to Be Demolished for a Mosque in Kuala Lumpur!

In I$lam-majority Malaysia, can we expect anything different?
#SaveHinduTemples pic.twitter.com/wdy0H4PlRr

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) March 25, 2025

2. Jakel has been in continuous discussions with the temple committee and had even shown readiness to bear the cost of relocating the temple. In 2021, the company received approval to build the mosque at this location. However, mosque construction was postponed until the temple was relocated. Recent reports indicate that on 27th March, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will lay the foundation stone for the new mosque.

3. People are demanding that the mosque be built elsewhere to avoid religious conflict. Some argue that the temple does not have legal recognition, but they have suggested that new land be allocated to maintain religious harmony.

Anger among Hindus

This issue has reignited the long-standing debate over religious equality in Malaysia. Executive Director of the ‘Lawyers for Liberty’ organisation, Zaid Malik, questioned, ‘Why is there such a rush to build a mosque while discussions between the temple, Jakel, and municipal authorities are still ongoing ?’ He accused Prime Minister Anwar of hastening the temple’s demolition.

Temple demolition is unacceptable : Urimai Party Leader P. Ramasamy

P. Ramasamy, a leader of Urimai, a party that fights for the rights of Malaysian Indians, described the temple as ‘an important religious site that existed even before Malaysia’s independence’ and said that its demolition is unacceptable. Meanwhile, some Malay Muslims argue that the new landowner should be allowed to exercise their religious rights.

‘I cannot bear any temple being demolished’ : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the temple does not have legal approval, but Jakel has agreed to help relocate it. The municipality is also searching for alternative land for the temple. ‘I cannot see any temple being demolished’, he added.