Published: Monday November 19, 2012 MYT 9:10:00 PM

Two govt agencies did not object to condo project, says Chor

KUALA LUMPUR: Two government agencies did not object to the controversial condominium project in Batu Caves, revealed Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung.

He said the Minerals and Geoscience Department initially objected to the Dolomite condominium but changed its stand after the Department of Environment (DOE) gave its go-ahead.

He explained that the DOE certified the project fit after the developer showed it was capable of building the condominiums in the area and offered engineering solutions.

Chor also explained that it was the Pakatan Rakyat state government which approved the building plan for the project near Batu Caves, on March 24, 2008, after it won Selangor following the March 8 general election that year.

“At that time, the councillors in the full board were appointed by the new Selangor government. So, Ipoh Barat (DAP-M. Kulasegaran) cannot say that Barisan gave the approval.

“Who gave the approval for the housing plan? It was when Pakatan became the state government,” the minister said when winding up the debate on his ministry.

The Dolomite Park Avenue condominium project has turned into a political crisis as Batu Caves is the religious focal point of Hindus.

About 300 Hindu and non-governmental activists joined a “Save Batu Caves” rally in the Batu Caves temple complex to protest against the project on Oct 26, saying it was an environmental risk that would jeopardise the temple grounds.

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