A long-standing proposal to install an escalator at the Batu Caves Sri Maha Subramaniar Swamy Temple has escalated into a legal dispute between the temple management and the Selangor state government.
Selangor Government Rejects Escalator Application
The Selangor government recently rejected an application to install an escalator on government land at the Batu Caves complex. Officials said the request was submitted under an individual’s name rather than a properly registered organisation, which is a requirement under the National Land Code and state land regulations. They also stressed that any government approval depends on compliance with land rules and planning procedures, and that all construction must meet technical and legal standards.
Selangor executive councillor V. Papparaidu explained that the Temporary Occupation License (TOL) application was rejected during a state executive council meeting because government reserve land cannot be allocated to an individual for public use. He clarified, however, that the state is open to considering the proposal if it is submitted by a registered association and meets proper planning approvals.
Temple Management Issues Legal Demand
In response, the Batu Caves temple management issued a legal letter of demand to V. Papparaidu, accusing him of making public comments that suggested the temple is privately owned. The temple called this claim misleading and damaging to its reputation.
The letter demands:
- An unconditional apology,
- A written undertaking not to repeat the statements, and
- RM1 million in damages, giving the councillor seven days to respond.
Temple representatives emphasised that the Batu Caves site is not privately owned. It is managed by the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple Committee, a charitable trust established by court order in 1930 and supervised by the Attorney General’s Chambers.
They explained that the escalator application was initially submitted under the trust’s status, but authorities requested a registration number, which the organisation does not have, as it is not registered with the Registrar of Societies.
Judicial Review and Accessibility Concerns
The temple committees have also initiated a judicial review challenging the requirement that the trust register as a society, with the High Court granting leave for the case to proceed.
Temple officials stressed that the escalator project was intended to assist elderly devotees and people with disabilities, who struggle to climb the 272 steps to the shrine. They urged that the matter not be turned into political controversy, noting that the proposal’s purpose is rooted in accessibility and community service.
The Selangor government reiterated its commitment to following legal procedures for development on government land, while seeking solutions that benefit the broader community.
Source: Malay Mail, World Of Buzz
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