IPOH: Perak MCA will be meeting officials from the Kinta District and Land Office together with representatives from several cave temples on Monday (Jan 10) over the eviction notices served to the houses of worship.

State party chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said they hope to reach an amicable solution after several cave temples had received the notice last Friday (Jan 7) to vacate their premises within 30 days.

“Cave temples are heritage of Ipoh and tourist attractions that are special in Malaysia.

“Most are unfortunately situated in state land,” he said in a press conference after a closed-door meeting with representatives and committees from 19 cave temples at the Perak MCA headquarters here on Sunday (Jan 9).

“I would like to make it clear that these cave temples are our heritage that needs to be treasured,” he added.

Several cave temples, including the 155-year-old Nam Thean Tong Cave Temple, have been served with the eviction notices.

Dr Mah said he has also spoken to the state Land and Mines Department on the matter and an issue on safety was brought up.

“Most of the temples are located on limestone hills.

“There had been instances of landslides at limestone hills that brought calamity, which is a concern and could pose danger to the public,” he said.

“I have asked the department to send their experts to look into the safety aspects at cave temples.

“I have also emphasised to the cave temple representatives that they also need to prioritise the safety of their visitors,” he added.