KUALA LUMPUR – The government has announced that no new construction or extensions will be permitted for non-Islamic places of worship located on government land in the Federal Territories, aiming to resolve ongoing land use issues.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh, said the directive takes immediate effect to prevent further encroachment and unregulated expansions.
“Starting today, to prevent new encroachment cases and the expansion of existing structures without permission on Government land, no construction or additions will be allowed and will be subject to enforcement action by local authorities in accordance with prevailing regulations,” she said.
She emphasised that enforcement will be conducted with care, respecting sensitivities in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
“All actions will be carried out prudently and respectfully taking into account local community sensitivities,” she added.
The decision was discussed at the Meeting of the Non-Islamic Places of Worship (RIBI) Committee of the Federal Territories Bil. 1/2026, which Hannah chaired on Tuesday.
To ensure a more coordinated approach, the meeting has now included Kuala Lumpur Members of Parliament and the interfaith body, Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST).
The Federal Territories Department (JWP) has mapped unauthorised RIBI sites across parliamentary constituencies, identifying 163 locations on government land.
“At the same time, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is refining guidelines on the management of non-Islamic places of worship to help ensure a more aligned and orderly approach nationwide,” Hannah said.
She added that the inclusive strategy aims to resolve longstanding issues while maintaining social harmony.
“I believe this inclusive and prudent approach will ensure that every issue is resolved well while maintaining harmony in the multicultural society of the Federal Territories,” she said.
Previously, the federal government had authorised local authorities nationwide to take enforcement action against houses of worship, including temples, built on illegally occupied land.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, speaking at the National Unity Ministry’s Citizens Meeting on February 9, 2026, acknowledged that the decision might attract criticism but stressed it was grounded in the rule of law and existing policy. – April 23, 2026