A small group of ethnic Indians, mostly Hindus, held a peaceful protest in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday appealing for an end to demolition of Hindu temples by local authorities.

Holding a banner outside the palace of Malaysia's king, about 20 protesters, led by members of the opposition People's Justice Party urged King Seed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullai to help "save Hindu temples" in the country.

A few Hindu temples have been demolished this year and some have been served notice of demolition, a spokesman said, although sources claimed that some of these temples could have been built on unauthorised sites.

The spokesman said many Hindu temples had been destroyed in the past decade across Malaysia where Indians form about 8 per cent of the population.

He claimed local council officials were disrespectful towards places of worship.

"We are not against development, but they should give devotees an alternative site to worship. We are very concerned about the fate of the Hindu community," he said.

In a memorandum to the king submitted to a palace official, the activists called for an immediate halt to temple demolition by local councils and for affected land to be set aside as Hindu temple reserves.