GEORGE TOWN: Motorists have been advised to plan their journey ahead or use alternative roads to avoid being stuck in traffic jams during the Thaipusam festival starting tomorrow.
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Razlam Ab Hamid said road users must fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure a trouble-free three-day festival.
“If possible, the public should use public transport to move around. For those who prefer to drive, please do not park your car haphazardly along the road.
“And obey instructions from policemen on duty,” he said during a press conference on Op Palu at the police headquarters here yesterday.
ACP Razlam said that as a safety precaution, the public should not wear excessive jewellery to the temple .
“Fireworks are prohibited and flying drones without approval from the authorities are also against the law,” he added.
A total of 1,289 police officers and personnel will be on duty during the Thaipusam celebration here in Penang.
“With more than one million people expected to come for the festival, our men will closely monitor the situation. Our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.
The Golden Chariot will start its journey from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Lebuh Queen to the Waterfall Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga at 5.30am today. One hour later, the Silver Chariot will take off from the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple in Lebuh Penang to the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple.
Both chariots will begin their return journey separately to their respective temples from the Waterfall Temple at 6pm and 7pm on Friday.
ACP Razlam said that during the celebration, eight roads will be closed and traffic will be diverted in stages starting today.
The roads are Jalan Kebun Bunga, Lorong Air Terjun, Jalan Gottlieb, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Utama and Jalan Macalister, while Jalan Victoria will be closed beginning 12.01am today to allow both chariots to proceed to the Waterfall Temple, and Lebuh Campbell will be closed on Jan 27 to make way for the chariot’s return journey.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) has advised devotees to practise moderation in their food intake during Thaipusam.
Its education officer NV Subbarow said statistics showed that Malaysians generate 16,687.5 tonnes of food waste daily and the figures would increase during Thaipusam.
“Devotees should only take one food packet and come for more if they still feel hungry.”
