Four fined for bringing young children along during festival

IPOH: Four individuals were issued with summonses for allowing their children below 18 to tag along with them to the Thaipusam chariot procession on Sunday.

Perak police chief Comm Datuk Mior Faridalathrash said the standard operating procedure issued by the National Unity Ministry for the four-day celebration (Jan 16-19) clearly states that those 18 years and below are not allowed to attend the event.

He said some people were still stubborn and failed to adhere to the SOP.

“We are monitoring the situation closely, especially on the actual day of Thaipusam, and have deployed over 250 police officers and personnel to the ground here.

“I am advising everyone to follow the SOP as we want to contain Covid-19,” he told a press conference yesterday.

“No kavadi procession is allowed and those who defy the order will be dealt with accordingly.

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

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