Loke (centre) speaking with tourists who were in a train that stopped at the Batu Caves KTM Komuter station. — Bernama
DEVOTEES and visitors to Hindu temples during Thaipusam can take advantage of extra public transport services to key celebration sites across Peninsular Malaysia and the rides will be free.
Additional buses and non-stop services for trains and ferries will be provided to accommodate the large number of people expected to make their way to various temples for Thaipusam, which falls on Feb 11.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, via RapidKL, would have free bus services from the Bandar Pasar Seni hub, Gombak LRT and Kampung Batu MRT to Batu Caves at 10-minute intervals on Feb 10 and 11.
“In Penang, RapidPenang will deploy 12 buses, running at intervals of between 20 and 60 minutes, from the jetty to Penang Adventist Hospital.
“The Penang Port Commission and Penang Port Sdn Bhd will offer free ferry rides on Feb 10 and 11,” he said in a press conference at Batu Caves KTM Komuter station in Gombak, Selangor yesterday.
He added that the ferry services would operate round the clock on both days, concluding at 2.30am on Feb 12.
Loke said the Transport Ministry-funded BAS.MY would also provide free bus rides to temples in Johor Baru, Seremban and Ipoh on Feb 11.
In Johor Baru, the usual 10 buses that pass by the Arulmigu Sri Muniswarar temple (Ulu Tiram), Sri Subramaniar temple (Masai) and Sri Maha Siva Muniswarar temple (Tampoi)would be free for Thaipusam.
Similarly, the 10 buses to the Sri Balathandayuthapani temple in Seremban would also be free.
As for Ipoh, a special bus route has been created from Medan Kidd to the Sri Subramaniar temple in Gunung Cheroh.
In the Klang Valley, commuters to and from the Batu Caves KTM Komuter station can enjoy free rides on Feb 10 and 11.
Loke said some 500,000 commuters were expected to use KTM Komuter services this time, a 10% increase from last year.
“KTM Bhd (KTMB) has arranged an additional 118 train trips throughout the period, making a total of 494 trips during the festive season.
“The KTM Komuter will provide non-stop services for four days, from Feb 9 to 12.
“As a safety measure and in view of the influx of commuters, KTMB has made arrangements for improved entry and exit procedures.
“There will also be 250 staff on duty, alongside auxiliary police, during the period,” he said.
On Feb 9 and 12, senior citizens, the disabled and children between two and six will receive a 50% discount, while children under two can travel for free.
Commuters can use cashless payment methods via apps such as KTMB Mobile, Komuter Link card, Touch ‘n Go card or debit and credit cards, where the charges will be waived upon checkout.
Physical tickets with a QR code can also be obtained at the counters for free on Feb 10 and 11.