The hilltop Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves which was supposed to be home for a cable car line, was found to be unfit to support the long awaited project.
This was the findings in the early report from the consultants appointed by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to conduct soil stability studies around the temple complex.
MPS president Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain said the report, which was tabled last Thursday at a meeting attended by the Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, Selangor Economic Action Council (MTEN) and other council representatives, found that certain areas in the temple vicinity were unstable.
“The cable car line consists of a lower station near the foot of the temple staircase and an upper station near the hilltop temple.
“The report shows that the lower station is stable while the upper station is unstable. If the cable car project is built on unstable land, it might risk public safety,” he told Astro AWANI.
Mohd Azizi said the council is currently waiting for the full report to be tabled, before they can proceed with giving recommendations to the temple’s contractors.
The cable car project was put to a stop by MPS after the council issued a stop-work order on June 6, citing that several buildings within Batu Caves were built without permits.
The structures include toilets, a 140ft Lord Murugan statue as well as the temple’s 272-step staircase.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthanam committee chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah had said that it was unfair for MPS to issue a stop working order suddenly as plans for the cable car project had been approved by the council earlier.
Despite that, Nadarajah told Astro AWANI that the temple management had complied with MPS by submitting building plans for about 20 structures in the vicinity including the staircase, as required by the council.
“We had submitted the building plans four to five months ago. The council has not responded until today. We are still waiting for them to give the green light to continue this project.
“They must remember that this is not the temple’s project or my project. This is the people’s project.
“If they want us to stop building the cable car, we will, but this is for the people,” he said.
Commenting on this, Mohd Azizi confirmed that they received the building plans sent by the temple management but they still have to await the full report of the soil stability studies before taking any action.
“It was never the council’s intention to stop the cable car project. This is not about denying facilities to the rakyat. This is about public safety,” Mohd Azizi said.
The cable car was initially scheduled to be completed by this month, in time for the Thaipusam festival which falls on Jan 17.
The project, worth RM10 million, was contracted to the Calcutta-based company Damodar Ropeways.
T K Letchumy Tamboo
Mon Jan 13 2014
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.