KUALA LUMPUR: The long-standing issue on the construction of an escalator at Batu Caves is expected to be resolved by July, clearing the way for the project to proceed, said Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam chairman Tan Sri R Nadarajah.
Nadarajah, who oversees Thaipusam celebrations at the site, said Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari had assured him the remaining hurdles were purely technical and would be settled within months.
He added that the matter was discussed during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Batu Caves on Friday (Jan 30), when Anwar personally convened a meeting with both Nadarajah and the Mentri Besar.
"The Prime Minister called me and the Mentri Besar and said this matter must be settled. He (Anwar) said it is a community matter and should not be prolonged,” he told reporters after accompanying Anwar during the visit.
The escalator proposal had been stalled by a dispute after the Selangor state government rejected a temporary occupation licence for a related commercial development, which also included the proposed escalator.
This decision caused significant delays and led to differing views among stakeholders. However, Nadarajah stressed that the temple was not at odds with the state government, describing the issue as a technical delay rather than a contentious disagreement.
"It is only a technical matter, but people made it (seem like a big disagreement),” he said, urging the public to refrain from speculating now that the issue has been settled.
He clarified that the temple operates under a court order, which had complicated administrative requirements.
Nadarajah also expressed appreciation for Anwar’s continued support for the Indian community and the Batu Caves temple, noting that the Prime Minister had recently approved an additional RM1mil allocation for development. – Bernama
