Malaysian Government lifts restrictions on non-Muslim places of worship

Kuala Lumpur, June 7 : The Malaysian Government has abolished regulations on new non-Muslim places of worship being limited to an area of 10,000 square feet.

State Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Committee Chairman Dr. A. Xavier Jayakumar said the requirement was impractical and as such, no predetermined limits on size, length and height would be imposed on any religious community.

Dr Xavier was speaking yesterday after meeting non-Muslim leaders from various communities.

Dr Xavier said, "The proposed places of worship should be big enough to cater to the needs of a particular religious community in any area."

He said no more places of worship would be built next to sewage ponds, high-tension wires or power substations.

According to the New Straits Times, developers will also be required to set aside more land for non-Muslim places of worship. Currently, they are required to set aside 0.4 hectares, which is inadequate.

State Local Government, Study and Research Committee chairman Ronnie Liu also attended the meeting to discuss new guidelines for non-Muslim places of worship.

The meeting was the third, being held with state and national religious authorities.

The state will also raise the annual budget for non-Muslim places of worship.

Meanwhile, religious groups were urged to refrain from spreading rumours about the destruction of temples.

ANI