THE 100-year-old Maha Muthumariamman Temple in Penanti, Penang, will appeal the decision against it in a land dispute, reported Malaysia Nanban.

       Temple committee chairman S. Manickavasagam said the iconic temple had received the support of former chief minister Lim Guan Eng who also allocated a significant sum of money for its upkeep.

       The temple’s troubles started when the land it is located on was bought over by a private company.

       The new owner then obtained a court order to remove the temple but the committee plans to continue its legal battle.

       Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman and Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, who visited the temple, said the board would give its full support to save the temple and appeal the court decision.PHEB will also endeavour to protect and help all the temples in Penang, he said.

       The temple recently completed its renovations and the Maha Kumbabishegam (consecration ceremony) at a cost of RM300,000.

       > Nine people died while 12 others are in critical condition in Uttar Pradesh after drinking illegal samsu, reported Malaysia Nanban.

       The incident happened in Azamgarh city in Northern India where victims bought and consumed cheap locally brewed samsu from a licenced liquor shop on Sunday.

       They fell ill one by one and died on Monday morning. Some of them were hospitalised but still could not be saved.

       The deaths caused chaos and anger in the affected villages.

       Local authorities later declared the samsu tainted and 41 more people came forward and were sent for medical observation. Twelve developed complications while two were reported to be in serious condition.