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Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd (Jakel), a prominent textile company, has denied claims that its planned mosque construction on Jalan Masjid India will result in the demolition of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple.
The company emphasised that the project would proceed without affecting the temple, following over a decade of ongoing discussions with temple representatives to find a harmonious solution.
Aiman Darzuki, the Head of Legal and Corporate Communications at Jakel, explained that talks with the temple management had been ongoing since 2009, with the aim of ensuring that the interests of all parties involved were respected.
He stated, "We have been in discussions for over 10 years, and we have never taken the matter to court because we believe in a harmonious approach and a win-win situation."
Aiman further clarified that Jakel’s current efforts are focused on relocating the temple to a new site with the support of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
"There is no plan to demolish the temple; we are simply awaiting the completion of the relocation process and approval from the temple management," he said.
He also outlined that the land designated for the mosque has been owned by Jakel since 2012, following a purchase agreement with DBKL. The late Mohamed Jakel Ahmad, the founder of Jakel, had earmarked the land for the construction of a mosque to benefit the local community.
Jakel received approval for the mosque's development in 2020 and building plans were finalised in 2021. However, construction has been delayed to respect the temple's ongoing operations at the site.
In response to questions regarding the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for March 27, Aiman stressed that the event is symbolic of Jakel's commitment to the mosque project and aligns with the founder's charitable intentions.
"The ceremony will take place far from the temple site, and it is not an indication that construction is starting now. We are still waiting for the temple's relocation process to be completed, and representatives from the temple have been invited to attend," he explained.
Aiman also expressed his confidence in the government’s role in facilitating a fair resolution, noting the involvement of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa in finding the best solution.
"We have not begun any construction yet because we want the temple's relocation to be completed first," he affirmed.
Jakel’s Chief Financial Officer, Datuk Syed Nashrul Fahmi Syed Mahmud, further reiterated that discussions with the temple were still ongoing, with DBKL having proposed several alternative locations for the temple's relocation.
"There is no question of demolishing the temple; a significant commitment has been made by both DBKL and Jakel to ensure that the temple is relocated to a suitable site," he added.
However, he expressed disappointment over accusations from certain quarters suggesting the temple would be demolished without consultation. "This is absolutely untrue. From the beginning, our approach has been to seek the best solution through mutual respect and harmony," he asserted.
Meanwhile, the management of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple welcomed DBKL's assurance that no demolition would take place and that the temple could continue to operate until the relocation is complete.
Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, a representative from the temple’s management, expressed concerns about the temple’s future, despite the land now being owned by Jakel.
She argued, "When the land was sold, the temple management was not informed, even though we have an 'equitable interest' in the land. We urge DBKL and the landowner to consider these rights. You cannot simply disregard the temple’s interests."
Ambiga added the unique significance of the Masjid India area, which serves a large Indian community, both Muslim and Hindu, and attracts visitors from abroad. "For years, both communities have lived peacefully here. Why is the government now intervening?" she questioned during a press conference.
In a statement earlier, DBKL reaffirmed its commitment to respecting religious freedom as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and assured that no demolition would occur before the relocation process is finalised. – March, 20, 2025