THE Pertubuhan Penganut Dewa Yik Loong Thean Pulau Pinang is relieved that it has obtained a two-year tenancy agreement from the landowner to stay put on the existing land.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi said the 48-year-old temple had received an eviction order from the court in 2012.
“It is learned that during the court proceeding, the temple was not represented by its members due to some miscommunication.
“So, in April this year, the landowner wanted to execute the eviction as per the court’s order.
“That was when the temple committee came to seek our assistance to negotiate with the landowner for the temple to remain at this place, No. 35, Jalan C.Y Choy,” said Gooi during a press conference yesterday.
Gooi thanked Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Alan Lim, who is a lawyer by profession, for helping to negotiate with the representatives of the landowner.
“Lim helped us in the negotiation, in which the landowner’s representatives had agreed to a two-year tenancy agreement.
“The temple just needs to pay a monthly rental of RM500 to the landowner during these two years.
“We see this as a small success in our effort to preserve this 48-year-old temple. The real challenge starts now as we must find a permanent place for the temple.
“Or else, we will see if any negotiation can be done with the landowner for the temple to purchase the existing land if it is affordable.
“Nevertheless, we will work to assist the temple to secure a permanent place for it to continue operating,” added Gooi.
During the press conference, the tenancy agreement was signed by Pertubuhan Penganut Dewa Yik Loong Thean Pulau Pinang chairman Lee Choon Cheng in the presence of Gooi and Lim.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Eng Kok Wei & Courtesy of YB Daniel’s office