The Selangor state government and the management of the Batu Caves temple have reached a mutual understanding to move ahead with the proposed escalator project, provided that all technical and regulatory conditions are fully met before construction begins.
DAP chairman and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said both parties were aligned on the need to strictly comply with existing laws and procedures governing such developments.
“For the purpose of this construction, all necessary regulations must be carefully followed,” Gobind told reporters after a meeting with the management of the Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Jalan Masjid India.
Clarifying the Application Process
Gobind, who earlier met the Batu Caves temple management to discuss the issue, explained that complications surrounding the projects stemmed from the temple’s unique legal standing, which is governed by an old court order that established it under a trust structure. As a result, the approval process differs from standard applications.
Addressing concerns over the submission of the application, the Damansara Member of Parliament clarified that it was not filed in an individual capacity, as previously alleged.
Previous Objections By State Authorities
The issue gained attention after Selangor Human Resources, Poverty Eradication, Orang Asli and Minority Affairs Committee Chairman V. Papparaidu reportedly said the state government had rejected a Temporary Occupation License (TOL) linked to a commercial project that included the proposed escalator.
According to him, the application did not meet constitutional and land administration requirements under the National Land Code, which allows approvals to be issued only to associations registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
Gobind’s clarification to address these concerns, confirming that the application was made on behalf of the temple’s trust body rather than by an individual without organizational standing.
Separate Issue on Jalan Masjid India Temple
On a related matter, Gobind said DBKL has scheduled a meeting to discuss the relocation order involving the Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Jalan Masjid India.
“I will facilitate the process and see how we can assist the temple authorities in this matter,” he said.
The development mark a step forward in resolving the Batu Caves escalator issue with both the state government and temple management signaling cooperation while emphasizing adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks.
