Kavadi carrying banned at Batu Caves until Jan 15 after non-compliance of SOP by group, says temple chairman

PETALING JAYA: The carrying of kavadi will not be allowed at Batu Caves until Jan 15 following the failure of devotees in complying with the standard operating procedure (SOP), says Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthanam.

Its chairman Tan Sri Datuk Dr R. Nadarajah on Monday (Jan 10) said that a group of devotees who were carrying the kavadi had violated the SOP on Sunday (Jan 9) which resulted in fines by the Gombak district police.

He added that this (violation) could jeopardise the final SOP, which is expected to be released ahead of Thaipusam, which falls on Jan 18, by the National Unity Ministry and the National Security Council.

He also advised devotees not to take things into their own hands but comply and adhere to the procedures in place.

Previously, a 45-second video of the devotees flouting SOP went viral on social media which prompted an investigation by the police.

The temple management was then fined RM1,000 under Section 16 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.