KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 — The Federal government has agreed to help the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple committee of Batu Caves in terms of its development funds, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
The matter had been discussed and agreed upon at a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.
“This committee has already given a briefing about the changes made over the years, especially in terms of buildings in the temple area, and they still want to continue with further works and need allocations,” he told the press today.
However, the allocation amount would be handled once his ministry receives the application from the temple’s committee.
Meanwhile, Gobind, who is also Damansara MP, said his ministry will ensure all information and visuals on the Thaipusam celebration can be channelled worldwide for everyone to get a feel of the values and culture in Malaysia.
“I believe we will see more people coming here to experience this celebration. So, this is something I have asked to be looked into,” he said.
On January 19, the Batu Caves temple management said it would build an escalator at the tourist attraction this year as an alternative to the 272 steps for devotees and visitors to reach the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple.
Temple committee chairman Tan Sri R. Nadarajah said the escalator is one of two projects that would begin this year after Thaipusam, along with constructing a multipurpose hall at RM35 million.
— Bernama
