Jakel gives KL Hindu temple 7 days to vacate, offers RM1m in 'goodwill'
Hariz Mohd & Yiswaree Palansamy
Published: Jan 15, 2026 4:35 PM
Updated: 8:22 PM
9
Jakel Trading has given the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple management seven days to relocate the existing structure from a land parcel owned by the textile company along Jalan Munshi Abdullah in Kuala Lumpur.
According to a notice dated Jan 13, sighted by Malaysiakini, the company is seeking the temple’s immediate cooperation to vacate the site, for development works to begin within a month.
In the letter signed by Jakel Trading’s general manager, Khadijah Yatib, the company said it has set aside RM1 million, which may be disbursed by Jakel’s lawyers “at any time upon confirmation that the temple has fully vacated the site”.
The notice also warned that failure to comply would leave the company with no alternative but to withdraw its “goodwill offer” and take all necessary legal action to enforce its rights as the landowner.
Malaysiakini contacted Jakel Trading director Nizam Jakel, who confirmed the notice.
“I sent the letter (to the temple) just yesterday. We hope they can vacate the land immediately,” he said in a text message.
Published: Jan 15, 2026 4:35 PM
Updated: 8:22 PM
9
Jakel Trading has given the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple management seven days to relocate the existing structure from a land parcel owned by the textile company along Jalan Munshi Abdullah in Kuala Lumpur.
According to a notice dated Jan 13, sighted by Malaysiakini, the company is seeking the temple’s immediate cooperation to vacate the site, for development works to begin within a month.
In the letter signed by Jakel Trading’s general manager, Khadijah Yatib, the company said it has set aside RM1 million, which may be disbursed by Jakel’s lawyers “at any time upon confirmation that the temple has fully vacated the site”.
The notice also warned that failure to comply would leave the company with no alternative but to withdraw its “goodwill offer” and take all necessary legal action to enforce its rights as the landowner.
Malaysiakini contacted Jakel Trading director Nizam Jakel, who confirmed the notice.
“I sent the letter (to the temple) just yesterday. We hope they can vacate the land immediately,” he said in a text message.
Jakel Trading director Nizam Jakel
Nizam also confirmed that the RM1 million contribution was based on a previous agreement reached between Jakel and the temple.
Temple questions feasibility of move
However, temple committee secretary Karthik Gunaseelan told Malaysiakini that he is seeking advice from lawyers.
“Yes, we got the letter from Jakel yesterday. They want us to vacate within seven days. We want to negotiate, as we have not gotten a vacant posession (status) for the new land.
“Also, is it possible to move a whole temple within seven days? It’s impossible. We have already shared all these with the government, so we are surprised as to why they are not commenting.
“And where is the government’s commitment made in their letter to us on March 25 last year, in which they agreed that the temple need not move until the relocation process is completed fully? The government must keep their promise,” Karthik said when contacted.
Nizam also confirmed that the RM1 million contribution was based on a previous agreement reached between Jakel and the temple.
Temple questions feasibility of move
However, temple committee secretary Karthik Gunaseelan told Malaysiakini that he is seeking advice from lawyers.
“Yes, we got the letter from Jakel yesterday. They want us to vacate within seven days. We want to negotiate, as we have not gotten a vacant posession (status) for the new land.
“Also, is it possible to move a whole temple within seven days? It’s impossible. We have already shared all these with the government, so we are surprised as to why they are not commenting.
“And where is the government’s commitment made in their letter to us on March 25 last year, in which they agreed that the temple need not move until the relocation process is completed fully? The government must keep their promise,” Karthik said when contacted.
Current location of the temple in Kuala Lumpur
He said that while the new site for the temple has been gazetted, further processes must be completed before the move.
“We have already gotten it, but there are processes to observe. We feel sad about this situation,” Karthik added.
Dispute draws national attention
The dispute over the temple land gained national attention last year following a March 20 press conference by Lawyers for Liberty, together with former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan and members of the temple management committee.
The press conference was held in response to Jakel Trading’s plans to develop a mosque on the land, a project that would require the relocation of the temple, which remains at its original location along Jalan Bunus Enam, opposite Jakel Mall.
Advocates for the temple’s preservation cited its long history, saying the shrine dates back to the British colonial era and has been a place of worship for generations.
Critics, however, argued that the temple has no legal claim to the land, which was sold by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to Jakel, and should therefore relocate to make way for development.
Following the public outcry, discussions were held involving Jakel, the temple committee, and DBKL, after which City Hall agreed to relocate the temple to a site about 50 metres from its current location, within the same Jalan Masjid India area. This was also agreed to by the temple’s chairperson.
While a relocation plan was announced, the temple has not been physically moved and continues to operate at its original site pending the finalisation of relocation arrangements.
MIC deputy president M Saravanan later said a 4,000 sq ft plot of land would be gazetted permanently for the temple as part of the relocation exercise.
He said that while the new site for the temple has been gazetted, further processes must be completed before the move.
“We have already gotten it, but there are processes to observe. We feel sad about this situation,” Karthik added.
Dispute draws national attention
The dispute over the temple land gained national attention last year following a March 20 press conference by Lawyers for Liberty, together with former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan and members of the temple management committee.
The press conference was held in response to Jakel Trading’s plans to develop a mosque on the land, a project that would require the relocation of the temple, which remains at its original location along Jalan Bunus Enam, opposite Jakel Mall.
Advocates for the temple’s preservation cited its long history, saying the shrine dates back to the British colonial era and has been a place of worship for generations.
Critics, however, argued that the temple has no legal claim to the land, which was sold by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to Jakel, and should therefore relocate to make way for development.
Following the public outcry, discussions were held involving Jakel, the temple committee, and DBKL, after which City Hall agreed to relocate the temple to a site about 50 metres from its current location, within the same Jalan Masjid India area. This was also agreed to by the temple’s chairperson.
While a relocation plan was announced, the temple has not been physically moved and continues to operate at its original site pending the finalisation of relocation arrangements.
MIC deputy president M Saravanan later said a 4,000 sq ft plot of land would be gazetted permanently for the temple as part of the relocation exercise.
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