Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd says its controversial Park Avenue condominium project in Batu Caves is safe and will not have adverse effects on the environment.

NONE Its managing director, Lew Choong Keong ( left ), told a press conference at the company office today that Dolomite appointed an independent consultant to study the project after the controversy broke out.

The independent consultant, Gue See Sew, who was present at the time, said that the project's pilling and basement construction “will not shake Batu Caves’ Lord Murugan statue and temple”.

This is because, he explained, the distance between the statue and the condominium will be sufficient in deflecting the piling machine’s vibrations.   

“All piling and basement construction would have a negligible impact where no specific measure is required,” Gue said.

Gue is a member of the technical and main committee which is responsible for the investigation of the collapse of the Highland Towers, Ampang Jaya in 1993.

NONE Another engineering consultant, M Saravanan ( right ), said that standard barriers have been erected to prevent rock falls from Batu Caves.

As such, the duo concluded that no environmental danger will occur in the vicinity of the project.

On Jan 24, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim announced the cancellation of the condominium.

Khalid added that the state would not compromise on the safety of the local residents.

Previously, Lew was reported as saying that Khalid did not give the company a chance to explain the matter.

As a responsible and reputable developer, Lew said, they will seriously view the comments from any party in relation to the project.

“However, we must be accorded an opportunity to be heard not only by the government, but also by the public.”

“That is the reason we are here today to present our case which is substantiated by concrete proof and opinion from qualified experts."

Lew also wished that they could meet and cooperate with the relevant authorities to present their findings.

“We do, however, hope that the channels of communication between the Selayang Municipal Council, the Menteri Besar’s office, and Dolomite Properties will be enhanced further,” he added.