RM2m for further development of Batu Caves (Updated)

31 Jan 2018 / 16:52 H.
    RM2m for further development of Batu Caves (Updated)
    Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is garlanded by Sri Mahamariamman Temple Dhevasthanam chairman, Tan Sri R Nadarajah, at the Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur today, Jan 31, 2018. — Sunpix by Amirul Syafiq

KUALA LUMPUR: An additional RM2 million will be given for further development of Batu Caves as a national heritage and tourist attraction site.
Stating this, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged the Indian community to support the Barisan Nasional government in order to get more aid and assistance in future.
He said the RM2 million allocation is an additional fund given specifically for Batu Caves' upgrading and tourism promotional activities.
"On behalf of the Prime Minister, I would like to give an additional allocation of RM2 million for Batu Caves.
"The (temple) committee and the (Tourism and Culture) ministry will increase efforts to promote the place and the festival to attract more visitors.
"I also will channel a bit more funds through the Tourism and Culture Ministry to promote Batu Caves to become an international tourist attraction site," Ahmad Zahid said in his speech at the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves, here, today.
Greeting the devotees in Tamil, "Vanakam, Thaipusam vazhthukal", he related the symbolic meaning of Thaipusam of changing from bad to good.
"I hope we close the old chapter, close the old books. Forget the past.
"If there is any differences or disagreements, forget them for the future of Malaysia.
"We must come together to support BN under PM Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak. We hope to get more support from the Indian community.
"If this happens I will make sure the government continues to help and provide additional assistance for the Indian community," he said.
In 2012, Najib had pledged RM2 million to build the new cultural centre in Batu Caves.
It was also reported that in 2010, the government had given RM3.6 million to beautify Batu Caves.
Also present today were former MIC president Tun S. Samy Vellu, his wife Toh Puan Indrani, MIC deputy president Senator Datuk S K Devamany, Deputy Sports Minister Datuk M. Saravanan, US Ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdir and Indian High Commissioner T. S. Tirumurti.

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