Over a million devotees and tourists are expected in Penang for Thaipusam, with special transport services for the elderly and disabled.
GEORGE TOWN: Over a million Hindu devotees and tourists are expected in Penang for the Thaipusam festival on Feb 1.
Police records show last year’s crowd reached one million, with even more visitors anticipated this year as celebrations run from Saturday through Monday.
“We anticipate even more visitors, peaking on Sunday, Feb 1,” said Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) deputy chairman Dr R Lingeshwaran.
Tourist numbers, particularly from India, are also likely to rise following the reinstatement of direct Chennai-Penang flights.
The board is working closely with police and other agencies to coordinate the large-scale, state-level event.
The PHEB and the temple have also launched a special transport service to ferry elderly devotees and persons with disabilities to the hilltop temple.
The service enables devotees to safely perform religious rituals and vows without facing the overwhelming crowds on Thaipusam day.
“Last year, volunteers carried them up the steps. This year, we prioritised safety by providing four 4WD vehicles and 40 volunteers,” Lingeshwaran explained.
The initiative was taken to prevent injuries on the steep stairs and reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases among vulnerable devotees.
One beneficiary, 73-year-old R Punithavathi, thanked the endowment board for helping the elderly and disabled access the temple.
Her husband, K Muniandy, 73, has been wheelchair bound after losing a leg in an accident six years ago.
“Today, his wish to pray at the temple came true, and I pray that we may both be blessed with good health,” she said.
