MPS steps in one time to fix, clean up walkways in Bt Caves

SELAYANG Municipal Council (MPS) has cleaned up and fixed broken walkways outside the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple grounds to cater to two million visitors expected during Thaipusam at Batu Caves in Gombak, Selangor.

The local council, in a press statement, said although the area was not within its jurisdiction, the one-off measure was taken as it concerned public safety.

Repair works, which started on Jan 16 and completed within a few days, included repairing drainage covers, walkways and cleaning the surrounding areas.

“MPS carried out a site visit on Jan 14, with community leaders and the Gombak District and Land Office representatives.

“Upon reviewing the status of the land, it is found that a significant portion is under the purview of the temple management while the other portion is a road reserve.

“As per the National Land Code, the temple management as landowners have to carry out maintenance once Thaipusam is over,” read the MPS statement.

Meanwhile, the public should note that seven roads are closed until Jan 27 to ensure smooth traffic flow while several lanes have also been narrowed.

Among the closed roads are Jalan Perusahaan heading towards Batu Caves and the Taman Sri Batu Caves intersections heading towards the Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2).

Other road closures include the intersection of Jalan Bunga Raya to Jalan Batu Caves, traffic light at Jalan Stesen (Batu Caves bypass), slip road from Batu Caves roundabout (MRR2) heading to Batu Caves temple and the exit from Gombak (MRR2) heading to the temple.

The intersection at Jalan SBC8/Jalan Lama Batu Caves, Jalan Perusahaan heading to temple and traffic lights intersection at the Taman Sri Batu Caves heading to MRR2 are also off-limits.

Around 1,600 police officers have been deployed to Batu Caves throughout the festival period.