Gobind: Consensus achieved on Batu Caves escalator, project to move forward pending technical clearance

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 — The Selangor State Government and the Batu Caves temple management have reached a mutual understanding to move ahead with the proposed escalator project, subject to the fulfilment of outstanding technical requirements.

DAP Chairman Gobind Singh Deo said both parties are in agreement that all applicable regulations must be fully complied with before any construction work can commence.

“Both sides agree that for this project to proceed, every relevant regulation must be properly observed,” he told reporters after a meeting with the management of the Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple along Jalan Masjid India today.

Earlier, Gobind, who also serves as Digital Minister, held discussions with the Batu Caves temple management regarding the issue. He said the matter stemmed from the temple’s special legal status, which is governed by an old court order that established a trust body, resulting in an approval process that differs from standard applications.

The Damansara MP clarified that the controversy arose from allegations that the application was submitted under an individual’s name. However, checks showed that it was filed on behalf of the temple by Tan Sri R. Nadarajah in his role as trustee.

“The issue of Tan Sri R. Nadarajah submitting the application in his personal capacity does not arise. The application was made in his capacity as temple chairman and trustee representing the committee, not as an individual,” Gobind said.

Previously, Selangor Human Resources, Poverty Eradication, Orang Asli and Minority Affairs Committee chairman V. Papparaidu was reported as saying that the state government had rejected a Temporary Occupation Licence for a commercial project, including the escalator, based on constitutional considerations.

Papparaidu said the application had been submitted under an individual’s name without an association registration, which was inconsistent with the National Land Code that permits approvals only for associations registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

Separately, on the relocation directive involving the Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Jalan Masjid India, Gobind said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has arranged a meeting tomorrow involving the temple committee and management.

“I will help facilitate the process and see how we can assist the temple authorities in resolving this matter,” he said. — Bernama