THE Penang government is prepared to work closely with temple committees to resolve matters related to land status and building approvals, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
“We cannot promise instant results, but we can promise continuous handholding and to work together to resolve issues,” he said during the hampers presentation and appreciation lunch for 300 underprivileged individuals at Sri Muniswarar Temple in Jalan Baru, Perai, today.
Chow stressed that compliance with laws and regulations remains the best way to avoid future complications.
“If you follow the law and regulations, you will not have problems to deal with later on,” he said.
He further added that the state would continue assisting houses of worship, particularly in resolving longstanding land ownership and legalisation issues.
Chow noted that concerns over places of worship have been widely highlighted in recent months.
“As a government, we are very conscious of our responsibility to the people in the state,” he said, commending donors and temple leaders for sustaining community welfare efforts, including the programme benefiting about 300 devotees.
“This initiative, now in its 23rd year, reflects compassion, generosity and a strong community spirit,” he stated.
Chow said the state would also maintain annual allocations for 28 Tamil primary schools for minor upgrades.
“We will continue yearly allocations to ensure a more conducive environment for students and educators,” he said.
Upgrading works at the temple are being carried out in phases, with improvements aimed at providing a safer and more conducive environment for devotees.
Perai assemblyman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu pledged continued collaboration with temple committees.
“I wish to thank the state for continuing with its assistance to the Tamil primary schools in the state,” he said.
Also present were Sri Muniswarar Temple Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Seri N. Gobalakrishnan, temple president Major Segaran, The Light Hotel chief executive officer Tan Sri Ramesh, and Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat