Perak Halts New Temple Approvals on State Land for Five Years

Perak State Government Imposes Five-Year Moratorium on Temple Construction on State Land The Perak state government in Malaysia has announced a five-year moratorium on the approval of new temple constructions on state-owned land. This decision, effective immediately, stems from Circular No. 3 of 2025 issued by the Perak State Land and Mines Department. The moratorium is intended to streamline the process for approving religious building applications and ensure compliance with existing regulations. According to the circular, any individuals or organizations wishing to build new temples in Perak must now purchase private land and obtain the necessary permits from the relevant local authorities. This new policy follows the receipt of 18 applications for temple construction on state land, applications that are now subject to the moratorium. "The state government will not grant approvals for new temple constructions on government land for at least five years," said a spokesperson for the Perak State Land and Mines Department. "This decision is aimed at creating a more organized and transparent system for approving religious building applications." The moratorium has sparked debate among religious leaders and community members. Some worry about the potential impact on religious freedom, while others support the government's efforts to regulate temple construction. The government maintains that the moratorium is temporary and intended to improve the approval process, ultimately benefiting the religious community in the long run.