Two million expected to throng Batu Caves for Thaipusam

Game plan: Comm Hussein pointing at a map of the area during a press conference at Batu Caves, Gombak. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star

GOMBAK: Police are expecting crowds of up to two million during the Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves here.

Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said about 1,600 policemen will be deployed to Batu Caves throughout the festive period.

“If we look at last year’s number, we recorded 1.5 million visitors and based on the current information given by the temple management, they expect this year’s number to be around two million,” said Comm Hussein in a press conference here.

He said seven roads have also been closed until Jan 28 to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

“Several lanes will also be narrowed,” he said.

He added that notices of the road closures have been posted on the signboard near the Batu Caves roundabout and on the police’s social media pages.

Among the roads that will be closed are Jalan Perusahaan heading towards the Batu Caves temple and the Sri Batu Caves intersections heading towards the MRR2.

The Jalan Bunga Raya intersection heading towards Batu Caves will also be closed.

Comm Hussein said that “static points” will be placed around the temple for members of the public who require police aid.

“The area surrounding the temple has also been deemed as a ‘no fly zone’ for drones.

“Those who wish to do so must seek permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia while also informing the district police headquarters,” he added.