A residential property in Taman Yarl, Kuala Lumpur, alleged by nearby residents to be operating illegally as a Chinese temple and conducting open burning, is set to be inspected by municipal authorities. Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud announced that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would deploy enforcement officers to investigate the matter, emphasizing the city’s firm stance against illegal open burning.

Residents have raised concerns that the double-storey semi-detached house, which is purportedly used for prayer ceremonies, has been the source of smoke and soot infiltrating nearby homes. The complaints date back to late 2025, with residents noting that the situation remains unresolved despite earlier assurances from DBKL to take action.

In a letter from DBKL’s Planning Department dated January 28, 2025, the property was confirmed to be designated strictly for residential use and lacked approval for any renovations, extensions, or temple-related modifications. Complaints were referred to the Enforcement Department; however, residents claim no significant enforcement measures have been implemented since.

Neighbor Uma Devi Panchacharam, who lives adjacent to the property, described ongoing smoke issues entering her home, leading her family to keep their windows closed and endure soot settling on their clothes. “The country is treating the haze as a serious public health threat, yet we are being exposed to additional smoke next to our home,” she said. While affirming respect for individual religious practices, Uma Devi stressed that activities without proper approval affecting the community should be halted pending a full investigation. She also indicated willingness to pursue legal action if no resolution is forthcoming.

Residents have documented what they describe as an organized operation. Photographs and videos depict ritual paraphernalia including large joss sticks, lion statues, incense burners, prayer paper, and cooking vessels stored on the premises. A lorry was also reportedly observed delivering supplies during the early morning hours.

Another neighbor, Neil Naveen Kamalanathan, highlighted the ongoing disturbances from noise, smoke, and pests associated with the activities, urging authorities to intensify enforcement. “People continue coming for rituals while residents deal with the smoke, noise and pests. DBKL said action would be taken, but nothing has changed,” he remarked.

Seputeh People’s Representative Council Zone 6 chairman Alvin T. Ariaratnam reported that the property owner denies operating a temple, asserting that prayers occur only annually and that only incense is burned. Nonetheless, Alvin noted that the accumulated evidence suggests a significant nuisance with potential health and fire safety risks, calling for urgent investigation by DBKL beyond a mere neighborly dispute.

The Kuala Lumpur mayor maintained that religious observances in private should not be a source of conflict but reiterated that open burning is prohibited and will be addressed. DBKL has committed to further inspections and enforcement to resolve the issue amid ongoing community concerns.