Company denies reports on link to paid violence

KUALA LUMPUR: A unit of Philippines' conglomerate Ayala Corporation has denied news reports claiming that a developer it owns had hired thugs to incite violence at a Hindu temple in Subang Jaya.

“Media reports now point to our company for the hiring of unruly people to instigate riots and civil unrest, all for the purpose of relocating the temple.

“These reports are absolutely inaccurate,” said Ayala Land Inc which controls One City Development Sdn Bhd, which in turn owns the land where the temple is currently located.

Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed on Wednesday that individuals linked to the firm were responsible for paying local youths to terrorise the temple in order to occupy the site.

Aya Land repeated One City Development's previous assertion that the latter's personnel that were “on site were in fact directed to provide logistical support and assist in the orderly relocation under police watch”.

The company yesterday insisted that the operations to relocate the temple had “always been coordinated with the local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure its proper and peaceful relocation”.

Three of the firm's employees were among the over 30 people arrested so far over the violence.

“We are cognisant and respectful of the cultural and religious sensitivities in Malaysia, which we thought were being handled appropriately,” the company said.