At a press conference today, Zaliha said the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple’s committee had agreed to move the temple to the new location measuring 4,000 sq ft – matching the temple’s current size.

“This site is part of Lot PT 95, Section 40, Mukim Bandar Kuala Lumpur, and the development on the new site will be subject to applicable conditions,” she said, adding that the temple’s committee had also agreed to this arrangement.

Zaliha said the temple would continue to operate until the relocation process officially begins.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would be attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the Madani Mosque, which would be built on the same site the temple is currently located at, on Thursday.

The plan to relocate the temple to make way for the mosque had caused a public backlash, including from lawyers.

Aiman Dazuki, legal head of Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd, said the company had acquired the land in 2012 and received permission in 2021 to begin constructing a mosque there.

However, he said Jakel had delayed the process “out of respect” for the temple relocation process.

Aiman, who said the firm had agreed to pay for the cost of the temple’s relocation, also said it was not possible to build the mosque without relocating the temple as the land was not large enough.