While M Paramaguru claimed the fire had damaged a store room, kitchen, and toilet area, he said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, adding that the incident has caused him fear and distress.

Alleged criminal trespass

Earlier this month, Paramaguru claimed trial before the Sepang Magistrate's Court on a criminal trespass charge, accusing him of committing the offence by entering land belonging to Suhaili Ahmad without permission.

The charge was framed under Section 447 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment of six months, a fine of up to RM3,000, or both.

Suhaili, the owner of the land on which the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple resides, previously denied that a temple structure existed when he acquired the land.

He told Malaysiakini that there was only a “temple on wheels” parked there, with no permanent structures on the site, noting that he had known there was a temple occupying the land, he would not have purchased the plot “even if it costs 10 sen”.

His assertions came after the temple denied claims that it is “illegal,” insisting it has been ready to relocate for years.

The temple, however, argued that the Selangor government had never completed the paperwork to formalise replacement land allocated in 1997.

Earlier this week, Arun questioned the authorities’ alleged “double standards” regarding legal enforcement against those who attempt to demolish unauthorised houses of worship, asking if similar measures would also be taken if mosques or suraus were involved.

Arun said this in drawing comparisons between self-proclaimed activist Tamim Dahri, who had attempted to demolish a Hindu temple in Rawang Perdana on Feb 11, and temple committee members who have faced threats of eviction and charges for trespassing.