Wesak Day is about sacrifice, says Wee

PETALING JAYA: While extending his wishes to all Buddhists in the country, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also expressed hope all Malaysians would understand the true meaning of Wesak Day, which is sacrifice.

“In Malaysia, Wesak Day is not only celebrated moderately, it is also a public holiday.

“This allows Buddhists to visit temples and, thus, proving that Malaysia is a multicultural country that preserves its people’s diversity,” said the MCA president.

In Penang, Bernama reported that several roads in George Town will be closed today for the state Wesak Day procession, which is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors.

Timur Laut OCPD Asst Comm Soffian Santong said the eight-kilometre procession is scheduled to begin at 7pm.

He said the procession would also start and end in Jalan Burma, which is in front of the Penang Buddhist Association building.

“Jalan Burma, Jalan Pangkor, Jalan Kelawai, Lorong Burma, Jalan Perak, Lebuhraya Peel, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Anson and Lorong Madras will be closed in stages from 7pm to 10pm,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

He said 123 police personnel members will be on duty to control traffic and crowd in the affected areas.

Visitors attending the procession were advised to leave their valuables behind to protect themselves from pickpockets.

Meanwhile, ACP Soffian said the Silver Chariot procession to celebrate a mini Thaipusam will also take place today from 6pm, beginning at Lebuh King and ending at the Jalan Air Terjun temple, which is a 10km distance.

“However, the route is different from the Wesak Day (procession) route and there will be no road closure for the Silver Chariot procession,” he said.