Penang police deploy 1,280 personnel for Thaipusam, managing traffic and safety for over a million visitors with road closures and drone bans in effect.
GEORGE TOWN: A total of 1,280 police personnel have been deployed to manage traffic and public safety for the Thaipusam celebration in Penang.
Timur Laut police chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad said a Rapid Deployment Team (Cantas) has also been established for continuous crime prevention monitoring.
The gold and silver chariot processions will begin on Saturday, ahead of the main celebration on Sunday.
The gold chariot will set off at 6.00 am from Lebuh Queen, while the silver chariot commences at 7.00 am from Lebuh Penang, both proceeding to the Waterfall Temple.
Several roads will be closed in stages from 10.00 am on Saturday until midnight on Monday during the chariots’ procession.
The affected roads cover a 6.5 km route to and from the temple.
Abdul Rozak said the gold chariot is expected to start its 9.1 km return journey at 6.00 pm on Monday from the Waterfall Temple to Lebuh Queen.
The silver chariot will start its 8.7 km route to Lebuh Penang at 7.00 pm the same day.
Over one million visitors, including Hindu devotees from outside Penang and foreign tourists, are expected for the celebration from Saturday to Monday.
The public is urged to adhere to the instructions of the authorities on duty and plan their journeys to avoid traffic congestion.
As a security precaution, Abdul Rozak advised the public to refrain from wearing excessive gold jewellery to avoid becoming targets for theft.
He also advised maintaining proper decorum to prevent causing discomfort to others.
The use of drones during the celebration is prohibited unless approved by the civil aviation authorities.
Police are concerned drones could be misused to carry dangerous items.
The public is advised to comply with all laws and regulations, with firm action promised against those who do not.
