Kangar temple demolished despite MB’s ‘assurance’, civil suit filed

On August 20, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Kangar faced demolition despite assurances from the Perlis government. The temple committee claimed they had been assured by Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah that discussions to find a suitable relocation site would continue until the end of the year. The temple committee met with Menteri Besar Abu Bakar multiple times, and he also assured attendees during a town hall on July 14, stating no action would be taken against the temple until December 31, pending resolution efforts. A video recording of the town hall meeting shows Abu Bakar giving this assurance.

Despite these assurances, enforcement officers and heavy machinery arrived at the temple early on August 20, demolishing the structure. Temple committee chairman P Sathesh Kumar expressed shock, claiming his committee believed talks with the state were ongoing. When they contacted Abu Bakar during the demolition, the menteri besar allegedly said he was unaware enforcement action was taking place.

The temple, not an abandoned structure, had served the local Hindu community for years with daily prayers. Sathesh Kumar said the civil suit against the Perlis government, Kangar land office, and Kangar municipal council was filed on August 19 – a day before the demolition – but the committee had not yet obtained a court order to halt the demolition.

The temple had been a subject of decades-long discussions with Perlis authorities, who reportedly alleged it was built on government land without approval. FMT has reached out to the menteri besar and land office for comment.