The Selangor government has since addressed the issue regarding an application submitted in February last year for the installation of an escalator at the Batu Caves Hindu Temple.
Human Resources and Poverty Eradication EXCO Papparaidu Veraman explained that the application was rejected at a Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) meeting because it was submitted under an individual’s name.
Selangor rejects temple escalator plan over application submitted by individual
Papparaidu explained that government land can only be approved for public use if the application comes from an association or a registered organisation.
He added that the state government is still open to finding solutions that benefit the community, noting that the MMKN later approved the land under the temple association’s name.
“The decision was made because government land cannot be allocated for public use under an individual’s name.
“The state government agreed to approve the land under the temple association’s name, as long as the association is legally registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS),” he said.
Papparaidu Veraman
“All new construction requires planning permission”
Papparaidu also dismissed claims that the state government had failed to help or deliberately delayed the approval process, emphasising that all construction and development must follow the law.
He noted that the decision demonstrates the state government’s commitment to resolving a long-standing issue, rather than denying anyone’s rights.
“All new construction requires planning permission, building plan approval, and adherence to technical conditions, including any changes to land use. The law must be enforced fairly and equally. We don’t want people thinking that only smaller parties are penalised while bigger ones get away,” he stressed.
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