Bukit Kanthan cave monastery, a 100 years old meditation refuge

The appeal letter, dated 29th September 2026, comes amidst a long-standing legal battle between the monastery and YTL Cement, through its subsidiary Associated Pan Malaysia Cement (APMC). While the courts have upheld APMC’s state-granted quarrying lease, the MBCC is hoping that YTL’s leadership will prioritize corporate conscience and religious harmony over profitability.

A Legacy of Faith and Meditation

The Dhamma Sakyamuni Caves Monastery is not merely a structure; it is a enduring symbol of the spread of Buddhism in Malaysia. Located within the ancient limestone karst formations of Gunung Kanthan, estimated to be around five million years old, the monastery traces its origins to the early 20th century.


Main shrine area, Picture by Butterfly Yap

According to historical records, the monastery was founded by Great Master Lao Shi Fu, a thudong (ascetic practice) monk from Thailand. During his travels through the mountains of northern Malaya, Master Lao envisioned the site during deep meditation. He established it as a sanctuary for monks and a place of rest for spiritual practice.

For decades, the monastery has served as a serene refuge, comprising two main shrine halls. The upper cave serves as living quarters and a meditation space, while the lower cave is open to devotees for prayers and chanting. It is also home to a unique grand golden Buddha statue, constructed in 2000, which depicts the Buddha in a rare meditative posture with both palms resting on the knees.

The Struggle for Survival

The monastery's tranquility has been shattered by the expansion of quarrying activities. Over the years, approximately 80% of Gunung Kanthan has been cleared for cement production. The monastery, along with endangered species of flora and fauna-including the critically endangered Gymnostachyum kanthanense and Meiogyne kanthanensis-currently occupies the remaining Zones C and D of the hill.


APMC has recently blocked the entrance to the monastery caves and designated it as a "not to be trespassed" area

The conflict escalated in 2019 when APMC took over operations. In 2020, the monastery received an eviction notice. Despite the monastery’s management arguing that they had resided there for over a century and that the company had suppressed material evidence regarding their occupation, the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of APMC, reversing a previous High Court judgment. The Court of Appeal’s decision to reject the monastery’s application for a stay of execution effectively paved the way for the eviction.

An Appeal to Conscience

In the letter to Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, the MBCC - represented by Honorary President Lillian Chang and Honorary Secretary Wong Tin Song - acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding the land ownership and quarrying rights. However, they invoked the YTL Chairman’s well-documented faith and stewardship (read letter here: Appeal for the Preservation of Malaysia’s Historical and Spiritual Heritage).

“As one who has consistently testified to the guiding role of faith in your life and stewardship, we believe you will appreciate the profound spiritual and cultural importance of this monastery,” the letter reads. “Preserving this monastery would be a lasting act of stewardship - one that harmonizes faith with responsibility, and profit with conscience.”

The appeal carries significant weight, endorsed by a coalition of Malaysia’s most senior Buddhist leaders. Among the signatories are YBhg. Datuk Seri Ven. Sek Jit Heng (President, Malaysian Buddhist Association), Most Ven. Datuk Dr. K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thero (Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia), and Most Ven. B. Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thero, along with leaders from the Vajrayana Buddhist Council and Fo Guang Shan.

The MBCC is requesting that YTL Corporation explore all possible means to safeguard the heritage site, suggesting that a compromise is preferable to total destruction. They argue that such an act would not only honor Malaysia’s diverse spiritual traditions but also strengthen YTL’s reputation as a values-driven enterprise.

As the sun sets on Gunung Kanthan, the Buddhist community waits to see if the roar of the quarry will be silenced by the voice of compassion.

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For more information on the monastery’s history and the "Save Our Monastery" campaign, visit saveourmonastery.com.

Read also:
Environmental group disappointed over Buddhist monastery's eviction in Gunung Kanthan

Century-old cave monastery Gets Evicted by Cement Company