{
  "id": 20123981,
  "title": "Labuan temple earns Malaysia Book of Records recognition for tallest Vel structure",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/labuan-temple-earns-malaysia-book-of-records-recognition-for-tallest-20123981",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T05:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/11/15/labuan-temple-earns-malaysia-book-of-records-recognition-for-tallest-vel-structure"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Hindu temple in Labuan, Malaysia has been officially recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for having the country's tallest Vel icon structure, standing at 13.18 meters. The Thirumurugan Temple Labuan, which has been a spiritual center for the local Hindu community for over five decades, secured the recognition with the towering statue, according to Bernama. The Malaysia Book of Records certificate was presented at a ceremony at the temple grounds. M Subramaniam, the temple trustee and adviser, noted that the Vel symbolizes divine wisdom, courage, righteousness and protection. The structure, which represents the temple's cultural and religious significance, stands as a potential cultural landmark to enhance Labuan's multicultural identity. Subramaniam highlighted the temple's history, which dates back to the early days of the Indian military community in Labuan, and the support it received from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Labuan air base, and the defence ministry. The 13.18-meter Vel was completed in February 2019 through contributions from various stakeholders, including the management committee, donors, contractors, consultants, devotees and volunteers. The recognition is a testament to the collective efforts and commitment of the community, as well as the cooperation of government authorities and stakeholders. Subramaniam expressed hope that the structure would attract tourists, visitors, researchers and cultural enthusiasts, while also encouraging younger generations to preserve their religious and cultural traditions.",
  "summary": "The construction of the 13.18m Vel was made possible through contributions from the management committee, donors, contractors, consultants, devotees and volunteers.",
  "key_points": [
    "Labuan temple recognized for tallest Vel icon at 13.18 meters",
    "Thirumurugan Temple serves Hindu community for over 5 decades",
    "Recognition highlights temple's cultural and religious significance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Labuan Temple Earns Malaysia Book Of Records Recognition For Tallest Vel Structure",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/general-labuan-temple-earns-malaysia-book-of-records-recognition-for",
        "published": "2026-11-15T02:13:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Labuan temple earns Malaysia Book of Records recognition for tallest vel structure",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/labuan-temple-earns-malaysia-book-of-records-recognition-for-tallest",
        "published": "2026-11-15T04:25:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}