Barricades installled by the authorities have blocked its main entrance since 23 June 2026

In a statement released this week, the monastery reported that barricades have blocked its main entrance since 23 June 2026, with a security post stationed outside. On 29 September 2026, the barriers were reinforced by welding iron bars onto concrete blocks, and another booth was erected just outside the main entrance on 13 October. The management warns that these measures threaten the monks' freedom of movement, the delivery of essential supplies, visits from devotees, and emergency access.


A booth a.k.a sentry post was setup on 13 October, further restricting the monks' freedom of movement

The monastery also reports repeated low-flying drone activity in the vicinity, with devices flying as low as 20 feet above ground level two to three times per week. The flights have caused distress among residents and raised concerns over privacy, security, and interference with religious practice.


Drone surveillance implemented by the authorities

Gunung Kanthan Under Threat

The management emphasises that Gunung Kanthan is a site of exceptional natural, geological, ecological, and cultural significance. It has been designated a Forest Environmentally Sensitive Area (KSAS) Level 1 and recognised as a geosite of the Kinta Valley National Geopark. Under the Ipoh Local Plan 2035, quarrying is explicitly prohibited in the area.


Lafarge's Snail (Charopa lafargei): A tiny micro-snail initially thought to live only in the Kanthan buffer zone

"We urge the Perak State Government and all relevant authorities to ensure that Gunung Kanthan is genuinely protected from quarrying activities," the statement reads, describing the site's preservation as "a matter of environmental responsibility, heritage conservation, and public interest."

Monastery Assessed as Safe

Addressing safety concerns, the monastery notes that an engineering geologist's assessment has found the cave suitable for continued occupation. The monastery has maintained a longstanding religious presence at Gunung Kanthan, serving generations of Buddhist monks and devotees through meditation, religious observances, and community worship.

Appeal to Authorities

The combined impact of barricades, reinforced barriers, security posts, and drone activity has prompted the monastery to call upon SUHAKAM, the Perak State Secretary's Office, the Perak State Government, local authorities, and all agencies with jurisdiction to take immediate action. The monastery requests that authorities:

1. Investigate the access restrictions and determine whether they are lawful and justified.
2. Protect the monks' safety and freedom of movement, including access to food, medicine, and essential supplies.
3. Investigate the repeated low-flying drone activity and take appropriate action if laws or regulations are breached.
4. Safeguard peaceful religious observance, particularly during the sacred Vassa retreat.
5. Respect pending court proceedings and avoid actions that could aggravate the dispute or prejudice a fair resolution.
6. Facilitate meaningful dialogue toward a peaceful, fair, and lasting solution.
7. Ensure all decisions affecting Gunung Kanthan comply with the Ipoh Local Plan 2035, including conservation provisions for limestone hills and geosites.

"Peace, Compassion, and Justice Must Prevail"

"The monks deserve peace during Vassa. The monastery deserves protection and safe access. Gunung Kanthan deserves genuine conservation," the statement concludes. "We are not seeking special treatment. We are asking for fairness, accountability, and the protection of religious freedom, human dignity, public safety, and our natural heritage."

The monastery urges authorities to intervene immediately, investigate impartially, and take effective measures before the situation deteriorates further, expressing hope that a peaceful and lawful resolution remains possible if all parties act with wisdom, compassion, and good faith.

For media enquiries, please contact the management of Dhamma Sakyamuni Monastery.