Cops to arrest those with spray paint at Batu Caves during Thaipusam

KUALA LUMPUR: Those found carrying spray paint cans during the Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves will be arrested.

Gombak police chief ACP Ali Ahmad said those with found with spray paint or suspected of using them on anyone would be caught.

"If we find anyone carrying spray paint cans, we will question them.

"Under the Criminal Procedure Code, if we suspect they have intention to use it, we can arrest them for 24 hours without a warrant," he said during a press conference at the Batu Caves temple office Friday.

He added that police would have 2,000 officers and five mobile police stations around the vicinity throughout the festival, from Feb 5 to Feb 12.

Meanwhile, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam chairman Tan Sri Datuk R. Nadarajah advised women not to wear bare-backed saree blouses during the festival.

"Women should come preferably dressed in punjabi suits.

"If they wear sarees, they should wear blouses that cover their backs, to avoid getting sprayed.

"There will also be 750 temple volunteers and Rela personnel to assist the police during the festival," he said.

He added that 1.6 million people are expected to attend the Thaipusam festival this year.