NGOs to Rally Against Illegal Houses of Worship This Saturday

Activists gather banners and placards ahead of the planned rally against unlicensed houses of worship in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have announced plans to hold a rally this Saturday to protest against illegal houses of worship across Malaysia. The groups said the movement aims to highlight the growing number of religious buildings operating without proper permits, which they claim pose safety risks and disrupt local communities.

According to the organisers, many of these structures have been built without following building codes, zoning regulations, or fire safety standards. “We are not against religion, but we are concerned about public safety and the need for all religious institutions to comply with the law,” said one NGO leader.

Authorities have been urged to take stricter action against violations, including closing unlicensed buildings and investigating cases where safety regulations are ignored. The NGOs also stressed that proper regulation ensures harmony between different communities and prevents disputes over land use.

Residents living near some of these illegal houses of worship have expressed mixed reactions. Some support the call for enforcement, noting that unregulated structures sometimes affect traffic, noise levels, and neighborhood safety. Others worry that protests might lead to unnecessary tension between different religious groups.

Police and city officials have reminded participants to ensure the rally remains peaceful and legal, advising them to obtain permits for public gatherings. Observers note that while the issue has existed for years, public demonstrations bring it to national attention and increase pressure on authorities to act.

The rally, scheduled to start in the morning, is expected to draw participants from several states. Organisers have also launched a social media campaign to raise awareness of the issue, emphasizing that their focus is on legal compliance, not targeting any particular religion or community.