PADANG SERAI: The Kedah government will continue to seek a solution for the relocation of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Sungai Seluang, Lunas to make way for the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) expansion project.

This comes after the temple's committee decision to stall the state government's offer to relocate the 71-year-old temple to a new site some 12 kilometres away from the current site.

State Chinese, Indian and Siamese Communities Committee chairman Wong Chia Zhen said the government will allocate time to identify an alternative plot for the temple's relocation.

"Therefore, we need to take some time to discuss again with the authorities. I will act as the intermediary among all stakeholders.

"Any construction will need the approval of the local community. Various steps, including dialogues and meetings with residents, are necessary to reach a decision and agreement

"I hope they can make a decision as soon as possible because time is running out," he told reporters after the dialogue session with the temple committee yesterday evening.

The dialogue was also attended by over 300 devotees of the temple.

Wong said the dialogue aimed to clarify the situation to the devotees and gather their views.

"I have listened to their concerns and informed them of the state government's current offer. They need to consider this and inform me at the next meeting," he added.

Last Sunday, it was reported that the temple was scheduled for demolition to facilitate the expansion of the Kulim Hi Tech Park industrial zone and had first received the notice in 2022.

The temple's chairman K Kheeshor Kumaar said the state government had proposed a plot approximately 12 kilometres from the current site for the temple's reconstruction.

However, he said the temple's committee requested the state government to provide an alternative plot for the temple's reconstruction as the proposed location would not be convenient for the devotees.

In response, Wong assured that the state government remains committed to finding a solution for relocating the temple.

He said that the offer to provide an alternative plot of land is still available, despite the committee's initial rejection and stressed that it is the best solution for all parties involved.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1054659/kedah-govt-still-seeking-solution-relocation-kulim-temple