After Sunday’s protest by angry local residents which led to the removal of the cross displayed on its facade, the new church in Taman Medan, PJ, is still facing challenges, as the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has declared it an illegal use of commercial space.
MBPJ officials today confirmed that the churhc was not licensed to set up in the shophouse it currently occupies, as there were no written applications from the church to MBPJ to allow the lot to be used as a house of worship.
Further, the church, located at Metro Square, PJS2B/3, also did not have permission to place a Christian cross on the outside of the building.
MBPJ public relations officer Zainun Zakaria told The Star Online‘s Edward Rajendra that a three-hour long check on the city council’s licensing records did not return any evidence of the church having a license to use its shoplot as a house of worship.
“Shoplots that are converted into places of worship or meditation centres must comply to Act 133 Section 70(12) and a written application with the activities described must be submitted for approval. We need these compliance as to ensure safety of the people using the building,” she said.
She added that placement of a religious logo or symbol on the facade of the building would also require the tenant to comply with the clauses of the city’s permit.
“Be it a lotus, trident or a cross, a council permit is needed.”
MBPJ claims it sent officers to the church yesterday to meet with congregation representatives, but no one was on the premises.
See: Protesters converged outside Taman Medan church, force it to take down cross
Village leader in Christian cross protest owns up to being IGP’s brother, admits no wrongdoing
IGP says church cross protest wasn’t seditious; his boss the Home Minister says it was
