Zamri should stop 'regressive' campaign against 'illegal' temples: NGO

Zamri should stop 'regressive' campaign against 'illegal' temples: NGO


Published: Feb 4, 2026 1:41 PM
Updated: 7:06 PM



Pusat Komas has condemned Muslim preacher Zamri Vinoth for the planned rally against “illegal” temples, saying that he is causing Malaysia to regress.

In a statement today, the civil society organisation told Zamri (above) to stop his campaign over the issue.

“Zamri is effectively taking Malaysia many steps backwards in history by inciting tension against minority communities through disinformation and hateful rhetoric,” it said.

Yesterday, Zamri confirmed that a coalition of NGOs will rally in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday (Feb 7) to pressure authorities to act against illegal houses of worship.

The preacher, who is the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement coordinator, said that the peaceful protest involving some 141 NGOs will be held near the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur at 8pm.

Last year, amid the resurgence of discussions on temples without formal recognition, former Malaysian Hindu Sangam president A Vaithilingam said older temples in Malaysia were often built in jungles by estate workers the British brought in from South Asia.

He explained that many of the temples then became exposed to the public when decades of development turned the estates into urban areas.

Complex relationship

Commenting on this, Pusat Komas said Hindu temples in Malaysia have a complex relationship with recognition, further complicated by post-colonial laws.

“Over the years, Malaysia has made progress in managing these historical and developmental disputes through local councils and state governments.

“Let us continue to pursue solutions through peaceful and co-existential approaches, recognising that this nation belongs equally to all its citizens,” it added.

The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple


The NGO also urged all Malaysians to hold to the principles outlined in the Rukun Negara in times of division.

The issue came under the spotlight last year over the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple near Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, which sparked polarising reactions, including online discussions focusing on the legal status of Hindu temples.