SHAH ALAM, Jan 16 — The Selangor government’s decision to reject the Batu Caves temporary occupation licence (TOL) application for commercial use, including a proposed escalator, was constitutional, said state executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman.
He said every decision was made with respect to land rules under the National Land Code.
“We will not block the court action to be filed by several parties on this matter, we are leaving it all to the courts to decide.
“I don’t want to prolong this issue seeing as Thaipusam is soon. We will cease all disagreements and leave it to the courts,” he told a press conference today.
Meanwhile, Papparaidu’s lawyer, Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo, said they have filed a counterclaim to the party that wanted to bring the matter to court, adding that they are open to discussing the issue.
“As ordered by my client, we are ready to resolve this matter amicably and don’t intend to prolong it,” said Kokila Vaani.
Last week, Papparaidu denied claims that the Selangor government isn’t serious about resolving issues around the proposed escalator and development in Batu Caves, as alleged by Batu Caves temple president Tan Sri Nadarajah recently.
Papparaidu said the claim was inaccurate, confusing, and didn’t reflect the state and federal governments’ actual position on the matter.
Previously, he announced Selangor had rejected a bid made with an individual’s name after convening a Selangor State Executive Council meeting on February 6, 2025.
Papparaidu said the application was not submitted under a registered association, as it was filed under an individual’s name, which goes against the National Land Code.
