Kuala Lumpur: A heavy police presence was observed at the site of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Madani Mosque off Jalan Masjid India today, just two days after the resolution of a dispute over the relocation of the Hindu temple currently occupying part of the land.
More than 100 police officers were stationed across multiple areas, including near Jakel Square and across the road from the site.
At the site itself, officers stood in a single line around the premises while sniffer dogs conducted security sweeps.
As of press time, federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul have been spotted arriving for the event.
Despite the heightened security, the situation remained peaceful.
No roadblocks were in place, and members of the public were allowed to come and go freely via Jalan Munshi Abdullah.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would be attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the Madani Mosque.
This followed a public backlash over the plan to relocate the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple to make way for the mosque.
Aiman Dazuki, legal head of Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd, said the company had acquired the land in 2012 and received permission in 2021 to begin constructing a mosque there.
However, he said Jakel had delayed the construction “out of respect” for the temple relocation process.
Aiman, who said the firm had agreed to pay for the cost of the temple’s relocation, also said it was not possible to build the mosque without relocating the temple as the land was not large enough.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the temple would be moved 50m away to a new 4,000 sq ft site, matching its current size.
Zaliha said the temple committee had agreed to the relocation.
