Covid-19: Four fined for violating SOP by bringing children to Thaipusam procession

IPOH: Police here have issued four compound notices to those who brought children to the Thaipusam chariot procession in breach of Covid-19 standard operating procedures.

Perak police chief Comm Datuk Mior Faridalathrash said SOP issued by the National Unity Ministry for the four-day celebration clearly stated that those aged 18 and below were not allowed to attend.

However, he said there were still some people who failed to adhere to SOP and brought children to the procession on Sunday (Jan 16).

“We are monitoring the situation, especially on the actual day of Thaipusam tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan 18), and have deployed over 250 police officers and personnel.

“I am advising everyone to follow the SOPs, as we want to contain Covid-19,” he said on Monday (Jan 17).

He stressed that kavadis are also not allowed under the SOP, and those who defied the order would be dealt with according to the law.

“The paal kodam (milk pots) and head shaving ceremonies are allowed, but it must be done according to SOP, such as using disposable aprons and towels, and sanitising the tools after each use.

“Only those who have received two doses of vaccine will be allowed on temple premises,” he added.

Comm Mior Faridalathrash added that police mobile patrol units would also be going around advising devotees on following SOP in Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil, using loudhailers.

"I hope everyone will cooperate with us to ensure that the celebration runs smoothly, and the risk of spreading Covid-19 is minimised,” he added.

He also warned social media users not to make any comments that could cause disharmony.