GEORGE TOWN, March 11 – Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state has avoided forced demolitions of temples and shrines for more than a decade.
Choosing instead to resolve disputes involving non-Muslim places of worship through dialogue and relocation. He said this approach helps maintain community harmony while addressing issues related to development projects or structures built without proper approval.
Chow added that the state government provides alternative sites for affected places of worship when necessary. In Ampang Jajar, more than 30 plots have been allocated to relocate temples from the Bagan area, with over 20 organisations already offered sites.
The state also enforces strict measures to prevent new unapproved construction, while managing existing structures through regularisation and relocation efforts.
