Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed (second from left) visiting the Sri Subramaniam Temple in Batu Caves on Sunday (Jan 16). - Photo: Bernama
BATU CAVES: The use of drones around the Sri Subramaniam Temple in Batu Caves will be prohibited throughout Thaipusam, says Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed.
He said drone flights would be prohibited at the temple vicinity due to safety reasons.
"Maybe there are some individuals who are planning to use drones to get a bird’s eye view of the area but we will not allow it.
"We have the necessary equipment to track down anyone who attempts to fly drones within the temple area," he told reporters at Batu Caves on Sunday (Jan 16).
Acting Selangor CID chief Asst Comm R Supramaniam and Gombak OCPD Asst Comm Zainal Mohamed Mohamed also attended the press conference.
"Drone flights are subjected from Rule 140 to Rule 144 of the Malaysian Civil Aviation Regulations (MCAR 2016).
"Based on these rules, anyone who wants to fly drones must apply for a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM)," he said, adding that even if anyone has a permit to fly drones, police would not allow it.
He said they would also take action against anyone who attempted to fly drones there under Section 447 of the Penal Code for committing criminal trespass.
"We have over 1,500 personnel on duty to ensure public safety.
"These personnel will be on duty here until Friday (Jan 21)," he said, adding that personnel from the Health Ministry, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force would also be assisting the police at the scene.
He advised the public to follow the standard operating procedures set, especially the wearing of face masks and observing physical distancing.
