Sultan Selangor’s decrees a wake-up call for law, harmony and sustainability

SULTAN of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s recent decrees on illegal temples and pig farming should be seen as a timely intervention to address regulatory concerns, not as a confrontation with any community.

His Majesty’s message showedthat in a rapidly urbanising and socially evolving state, matters of land use, development and environmental protection must be managed lawfully and in the broader public interest.

On the issue of unauthorised temples, Sultan Sharafuddin’s decree is aimed at ensuring that all houses of worship adhere to existing regulations, not at curbing anyone’s right to practise their faith.

It highlightsthe importance of law and order for long-term stability. Structures built without approval can lead to legal disputes, safety hazardsand tensions between communities, ultimately undermining the very congregations they serve.

Religious structures are deeply significant for devotees but in a modern, multi-religious state like Selangor, adherence to planning and land rules is essential. By promoting proper registration, approvaland oversight, temples are protected from future conflicts or forced removal.

A transparent process for regularising existing temples, where feasible, gives communities certainty and security instead of leaving them vulnerable to disputes over land ownership or zoning laws.

The decree also reflects a broader concern for social harmony. Construction outside the law can create friction between neighbours and across communities.

By insisting on lawful development, Sultan Sharafuddin is promoting a balance where religious practices coexist with public order.

On pig farming, His Majesty’s stance addresses long-standing environmental and public health concerns. Selangor, one of Malaysia’s most densely populated states, has rivers under pressure from industrial, agriculturaland livestock pollution. Residents living near pig farms have reported foul odours, water contamination and declining quality of life.

Sultan Sharafuddin made it clear that pig farming should no longer be permitted in any district of Selangor. His Majesty suggested that pork demand be met through imports — a pragmatic balance between consumer needs and environmental constraints.

Together, these decrees highlight a central principle that in a multicultural, densely populated state, freedom and development must operate within legal and environmental limits.

Religious freedom is guaranteed but must coexist with compliance to planning and zoning rules. Economic activity is welcome, but not at the expense of public health or the environment.

The effectiveness of these directives now depends on how the state government implements them.

Transparency, dialogue and fairness are essential. Temple committees, community representativesand farmers must be engaged, with clear timelines, practical guidelinesand opportunities to regularise or relocate where necessary.

Heavy-handed enforcement without consultation risks eroding public trust, while careful, inclusive planning can strengthen both law and harmony.

Ultimately, Sultan Sharafuddin’s decrees are a reminder that order, legalityand sustainability are central to social cohesion.

By setting clear expectations on illegal temples and pig farming, His Majesty is encouraging responsible land stewardship, protecting public healthand preserving peace among Selangor’s diverse communities.