New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, May 5, 2004: The famous 272 steps leading to the 100-year-old Hindu temple in Batu Caves has apparently been turned into a “jogging track” by fitness freaks, much to the dismay of devotees. Many can be seen running up and down the steps in the early mornings or late evenings. A New Straits Times reader complained of people in tracksuits, shorts and towels hogging the steps during his visit there recently. He even saw a woman doing sit-ups outside the temple’s entrance. The reader questioned the wisdom of the temple authorities in allowing free access to the temple grounds. Investigating, the NST spotted several people, including tourists running up and down the steps. Asked why, they said it was perfect for such activities. Barber K. Gopalakhrisnan, however, frowned on fitness freaks being allowed to disturb the sanctity of the temple. “If you have to jog, do it elsewhere and not within the temple grounds. You are showing disrespect to the Hindu deities.” A temple official said they could not prevent anyone from entering the temple complex. “Also, some devotees prefer to run while going up and down the steps. We cannot prevent them from doing so.”