The stalled Batu Caves escalator project is expected to proceed after technical issues are resolved by July, following direct intervention by the Prime Minister.
KUALA LUMPUR: The long-standing issue blocking the construction of an escalator at Batu Caves is expected to be resolved by July.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam chairman Tan Sri R Nadarajah said this clears the way for the project to finally proceed.
He stated that Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari assured him the remaining hurdles were purely technical.
The matter was discussed during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to the temple site.
“The Prime Minister called me and the Menteri Besar and said this matter must be settled,” Nadarajah told reporters.
He added that Anwar described it as a community matter that should not be prolonged.
The escalator proposal was stalled after the state government rejected a temporary occupation licence for a related commercial development.
Nadarajah stressed the temple was not at odds with the state government over the issue.
He described the delay as a technical matter that had been exaggerated.
“It is only a technical matter, but people made it a big one,” he said.
He urged the public to refrain from speculating now that a resolution is in sight.
The chairman clarified that the temple operates under a court order, which complicated administrative requirements.
He explained the Prime Minister acknowledged this legal constraint during discussions.
Nadarajah also expressed appreciation for Anwar’s continued support for the Indian community.
He noted the Prime Minister recently approved an additional RM1 million allocation for the temple’s development.
The chairman said the temple would fully adhere to the Prime Minister’s directives on the matter.
