A shrine in Serdang, Selangor, was sealed by the city council recently, prompting concern among local residents.
According to a timeline shared by the State Legislative Assembly Member (ADUN) for Seri Kembangan, Wong Siew Ki, residents were first alerted at approximately 7:20 PM that the long-standing ‘Datuk Gong’ shrine had been cordoned off by city council officers.
Wong siew ki
The shrine, located near the neighbourhood’s entrance, has reportedly been a fixture of the area for many years.
Intervention and advocacy
Shortly after receiving the update, Wong said she contacted the city council’s deputy mayor to request that the enforcement action be halted. She also reached out to Selangor Executive Councillor Ng Sze Han to seek assistance and explain the historical context of the shrine.
The Seri Kembangan ADUN noted that the Datuk Gong shrine has long existed in the neighbourhood without being expanded over time. She emphasised that the structure has never obstructed traffic or posed safety risks to residents or the surrounding environment. Given these factors, she requested that the enforcement be paused while awaiting further guidance from the state government regarding such structures.
Swift resolution
Later that evening, the deputy mayor reportedly instructed officers to halt the operation after they had finished breaking their fast. By approximately 9:50 PM, residents noticed that the seal placed earlier by the city council had already been removed.
The rapid development drew significant attention from residents who had been closely monitoring the situation and sharing updates with local leaders. Many expressed relief that the matter was addressed within a matter of hours.
A call for mutual respect
In a statement posted on her Facebook page last night (9 March), Wong reiterated the importance of mutual respect and religious freedom within the community. She asserted that places of worship should not be dealt with arbitrarily.
Furthermore, she emphasised that formal discussions with residents must take place if relocation ever becomes necessary due to public infrastructure projects, such as road construction or drainage upgrades.
For now, the shrine remains in place, with residents hopeful that the situation will continue to be managed through communication and mutual understanding.
