GOMBAK, Jan 31 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced an additional RM2 million for the renovation of the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple and its vicinity in Batu Caves.
Ahmad Zahid said the allocation would be given to the temple committee within a week from today.
“I am allocating an extra RM2 million on top of the RM25 million required to transform the temple complex into a world-class tourist destination with a new cultural centre,” he said at the 128th Thaipusam festival celebration.
The temple will be undergoing renovation works in February to expand the complex for an upcoming planned celebration, held every 12 years at Batu Caves on June 3.
Zahid said Thaipusam is a symbolic festival that exemplified religious harmony in the country as enshrined in Article 11 of Federal Constitution and which was reflected by the country’s various racial backgrounds.
He said, he would also channel additional allocation to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to intensify promotion efforts to bring in more tourists from all over the world to Batu Caves because of its iconic destination status.
“With the commitment shown by the Government I hope this will signal the closure of past disagreements within the Indian community.
“When the time comes, support Barisan Nasional for having continued and will be continuing to look after the welfare of the Indian community by giving us your biggest support to ensure the Government will always be there to help,” he said.
The annual Hindu festival, which falls on the full-moon day of the Tamil month of Thai, is celebrated in honour of Lord Murugan, who represents virtue, youth and power, and is the destroyer of evil.
Thousands of devotees thronged the temple complex on foot carrying paal kudams (milk pots) and paal kavadis (mini kavadis) as offerings.
