IPOH: Those seeking to build cave temples on state-owned land must obtain permission from the Perak Land and Mines Department, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic).
The management of these temples must go through all the due process in applying for permits, he said, adding that they would not be given special treatment.
“No special treatment will be given to them (to hasten the procedure) as it may spark anger among those who have applied first,” he said.
He explained that the applications were standard and legal procedures which were similar to those wanting to build houses or buildings on state-owned land.
Speaking to reporters yesterday after launching the Walkable Ipoh plan, Saarani said that a special committee had held a meeting on Monday which concluded that the management of cave temples would need to have permission to build on state-owned land.
“The applications will be checked by the state Land and Mines Department (PTG), which will then check with other related agencies for their feedback and evaluation.”
“These included the Fire and Rescue Department, state Public Works Department, Ipoh City Council, Mineral and Geoscience Department and other relevant departments,” he said.
Cave temples here had been in the news of late when some of them were served with notices last month from the PTG to vacate their premises within 30 days.
Following an outcry, the state government set up a special committee to review the status of the cave temples and resolve land-related issues.
Yesterday, Saarani maintained that the eviction notices served to several cave temples in the Kinta Valley were still being enforced.
On another issue, the Mentri Besar said he would contact the state Health director on the parking issue at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital.
“I will contact the Health director and the hospital management since there are complaints that visitors are not allowed to park there,” he said, adding that the building was under the care of the hospital management.