KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor government has come under fire for allowing the construction of a 29-storey condominium in the fragile Batu Caves limestone hills area.

MIC president Datuk Seri G Palanivel said the state government should not allow developer Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd to construct the high-rise building in the Batu Caves area due to land stability and heritage issues.

"Allowing the construction of a 29-storey building will affect the stability of the caves and the structures in the nearby temple.

"The people living in the Batu Caves area should protest against the Selangor state government and Dolomite."

He said the temple should also initiate protests and seek legal advice as the caves and the temple structures, including the huge Lord Murugan statue, may be affected if construction was carried out there.

"The construction site is adjacent to the caves and the temple. Batu Caves is a limestone area and limestone tends to become soggy.

"With time, the caves could collapse if vigorous activities are carried out in the area. Damansara is a granite area but not Batu Caves. Nothing should be done here that can affect the hills," he said after launching MIC's Youth squad here yesterday.

Palanivel, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, suggested that the Geological Services Department do a study of the entire Batu Caves area as the caves may have destabilized.

"The Selangor government should also realize that the Batu Caves temple area is a national heritage site. Please, don't commercialize it."

He said during former prime minister Tun Hussein Onn's time, the premier had expressed disappointment over quarry activities in the area, especially concerning dust and pollution. Later, through court action, the activities were stopped.

Palanivel said the Selangor government should take heed of the objections of people in the area.

"Otherwise, I am sure the Barisan Nasional will capture the state seat in the coming election."

Checks showed that the proposed condominium is a serviced apartment block with 474 units.

The project was launched last month and is due to be completed in 2015.

Selayang Municipal Council corporate communications director Mohamad Zain Masood said the council would look into the matter as it involved technical details.


- News Straits Times