Koh said issues of a religious nature must be tackled wisely to avoid complications for the parties involved.

The manner of the protest has drawn strong condemnation from various parties for insulting religious sensitivities.

Selangor is ruled by the opposition alliance, Pakatan Rakyat. Its Chief Minister Ibrahim asked everyone to remain calm and urged the police to act without fear or favour, The Star newspaper said Sunday.

Shah Alam district police chief Jamaluddin, who had a discussion with Pakatan Rakyat leaders Saturday, said police had not taken action at the scene of the protest as they did not want to create further tension.

Rodziah said the state government would hold an open discussion on the relocation issue Sep 5 with residents, Shah Alam City Council officials and representatives from the Selangor State Development Corporation.

Removal or relocation of religious shrines is a sensitive issue in multi-ethnic Malaysia.

The Hindus, who form a bulk of the nearly two million ethnic Indian population, have frequently protested against these decisions and acts of the authorities.

The present case pertains to a 150-year-old shrine that has been shifted by the devotees in the past.

The government has held that the temples removed or relocated were either illegally constructed or stood on government land and could not be allowed to continue.