Subang Jaya rep cites multi-faith support as community strength
Alyaa Alhadjri
Published: May 31, 2026 2:46 PM
Updated: 4:46 PM
In an older industrial precinct in Subang Jaya, opposite the bustling SS14 commercial area, three non-Muslim houses of worship form the spiritual foundation for Sikh, Hindu, and Buddhist devotees in the Klang Valley.
On Wesak Day today, the Subang Jaya Buddhist Association hosted a celebration supported by its neighbours, the Sri Vatharaja Perumal Temple and Gurdwara Sahib Subang - all three located on Persiaran Kewajipan, SS13.
Subang Jaya assemblyperson Michelle Ng, in her speech, highlighted the progress of a newly constructed 90-car open parking lot behind the three buildings, funded through private donations and aimed at resolving a long-standing problem for multi-faith devotees.
“These three houses of worship are important religious institutions and community focal points.
“During major religious celebrations and important community events such as Puratasi celebrations, Vaisakhi, Wesak Day, and wedding ceremonies, these houses of worship often receive thousands of worshippers and visitors at the same time.
“At times, the dates of these celebrations coincide, resulting in an extraordinary overflow of vehicles that causes traffic congestion and inconvenience, not only to devotees but also to other road users,” she said.
The two-term DAP lawmaker recalled how her predecessor, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, initiated the efforts to address the parking problem. Yeoh left the Subang Jaya state seat and became Segambut MP in 2018.
After several ineffective short-term measures, Ng said her office decided to pursue a strategic collaboration with the public sector, which led to an RM4 million Corporate Social Responsibility project by Sunway Group.
Published: May 31, 2026 2:46 PM
Updated: 4:46 PM
In an older industrial precinct in Subang Jaya, opposite the bustling SS14 commercial area, three non-Muslim houses of worship form the spiritual foundation for Sikh, Hindu, and Buddhist devotees in the Klang Valley.
On Wesak Day today, the Subang Jaya Buddhist Association hosted a celebration supported by its neighbours, the Sri Vatharaja Perumal Temple and Gurdwara Sahib Subang - all three located on Persiaran Kewajipan, SS13.
Subang Jaya assemblyperson Michelle Ng, in her speech, highlighted the progress of a newly constructed 90-car open parking lot behind the three buildings, funded through private donations and aimed at resolving a long-standing problem for multi-faith devotees.
“These three houses of worship are important religious institutions and community focal points.
“During major religious celebrations and important community events such as Puratasi celebrations, Vaisakhi, Wesak Day, and wedding ceremonies, these houses of worship often receive thousands of worshippers and visitors at the same time.
“At times, the dates of these celebrations coincide, resulting in an extraordinary overflow of vehicles that causes traffic congestion and inconvenience, not only to devotees but also to other road users,” she said.
The two-term DAP lawmaker recalled how her predecessor, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, initiated the efforts to address the parking problem. Yeoh left the Subang Jaya state seat and became Segambut MP in 2018.
After several ineffective short-term measures, Ng said her office decided to pursue a strategic collaboration with the public sector, which led to an RM4 million Corporate Social Responsibility project by Sunway Group.
The newly constructed open parking lot
Crediting the community’s support, Ng said, “I myself am a Christian, and we also have representatives (here today) from the Sikh, Hindus, and Muslims together in solidarity.
“I believe this is what makes Subang Jaya special. I want to commend the leadership of all these places of worship for championing this together with us.”
Also present today were representatives from several nearby mosques, who were invited to participate in other non-religious activities, including a free health check-up.
“I believe this is what makes Subang Jaya special. I want to commend the leadership of all these places of worship for championing this together with us.”
Also present today were representatives from several nearby mosques, who were invited to participate in other non-religious activities, including a free health check-up.
Subang Jaya assemblyperson Michelle Ng with Subang Jaya Buddhist Association president Chim Siew Choon (holding an umbrella) and other religious leaders
State govt guidelines
At a press conference later, Ng reiterated that the Selangor government’s 2025 guidelines on the approval of non-Muslim places of worship in commercial areas will apply only to future developments and will not affect existing commercial zones.
“The state government will also still allow non-Muslim places of worship in commercial areas, subject to local council approval.
“As far as local council approval is concerned, they (state government) are looking at simplifying the process to assist non-Muslim houses of worship to comply with the requirements and make it better,” she said.
At a press conference later, Ng reiterated that the Selangor government’s 2025 guidelines on the approval of non-Muslim places of worship in commercial areas will apply only to future developments and will not affect existing commercial zones.
“The state government will also still allow non-Muslim places of worship in commercial areas, subject to local council approval.
“As far as local council approval is concerned, they (state government) are looking at simplifying the process to assist non-Muslim houses of worship to comply with the requirements and make it better,” she said.
Michelle Ng speaking in a press conference
“That will require us to coordinate with the different faith groups, but even before a statement was issued, the groups were already engaged and ready to be involved in the process to refine the current approval process by local councils.
“Long story short, the status quo remains. New developments can still operate in commercial lots subject to council approvals, with the new requirements being worked out,” said Ng.
Last week, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung voiced concern over two provisions in the guidelines approved at the state exco meeting on Nov 12, 2025, saying they could have far-reaching implications for religious practices across Selangor.
He noted that Paragraph 6 under “KM: 4-3 Places of Worship Other than Islam” states that “Placement within areas designated as commercial zones is not permitted”.
Yesterday, the Selangor government special committee on Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Tao Religious Affairs said the guidelines are meant to facilitate the planning of new development areas, so that places of worship are located close to residential areas.
“Long story short, the status quo remains. New developments can still operate in commercial lots subject to council approvals, with the new requirements being worked out,” said Ng.
Last week, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung voiced concern over two provisions in the guidelines approved at the state exco meeting on Nov 12, 2025, saying they could have far-reaching implications for religious practices across Selangor.
He noted that Paragraph 6 under “KM: 4-3 Places of Worship Other than Islam” states that “Placement within areas designated as commercial zones is not permitted”.
Yesterday, the Selangor government special committee on Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Tao Religious Affairs said the guidelines are meant to facilitate the planning of new development areas, so that places of worship are located close to residential areas.
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