An estimated 1.2 million to 1.5 million devotees and visitors are expected at Batu Caves this Thaipusam. –Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: There will be added medical and emergency response services for the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves on Feb 11, with an estimated 1.2 to 1.5 million devotees and visitors expected to gather at the temple cave site.
A central control command communication and coordination unit has been set up at the directive of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam (SMMTD) chairman Tan Sri R. Nadaraja to see that a streamlined emergency response system is in place.
SMMTD's medical and emergency coordinator for Thaipusam 2025 Datuk Dr AT Kumararajah said the initiative is aimed at ensuring efficient management of the large influx of participants.
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"The Selayang Emergency and Trauma Team will be mobilised to provide continuous medical support throughout the festival.
"Given that Batu Caves is the focal point of the celebrations, the team has been preparing to handle potential medical emergencies,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 4) about preparations for Thaipusam at Batu Caves.
He added that the medical commander for Thaipusam 2025 Dr Nabil Muhammad, an emergency medical specialist at Hospital Selayang, has been leading this initiative for over a decade.
Eight hospitals under the Health Ministry are involved, as well as nine government agencies, uniformed bodies and volunteer organisations.
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Among the participating agencies are the Health Ministry, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Federal Territories St John Ambulance, Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), Persatuan Kecemasan Sukarelawan Malaysia (PKSM), Pertubuhan Sukarelawan Ambulans India Malaysia, the Fire and Rescue Department and National Blood Centre.
A total of 1,500 personnel will be deployed to provide a secure environment for all attendees.
Dr Nabil said emergency response zones have been introduced this year at Batu Caves to improve accessibility and response time during critical situations.
He said the coverage extends beyond the 5.66ha (14-acre) Batu Caves grounds to the riverside, where the kavadis begin their journey, and the temple’s interior.
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"The layout ensures that emergency teams can navigate dense crowds efficiently, reducing response times and providing immediate assistance.
"The other hotspot is the 272-step stairway leading to the main cave temple.
"(The emergency response service also covers) the 14km route taken by the silver chariot from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Tun HS Lee to Batu Caves,” he added.
Batu Caves and its surrounding areas have been divided into 24 medical zones, including specific hotspots such as the Dark Cave, KTM station, riverside and flyover in front of the temple’s main entrance.
SMMTD trustee, Datuk N. Sivakumar said the silver chariot procession, bearing the idol of Lord Muruga, will depart from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 9pm on Sunday (Feb 9).
He said preparations include collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), and local authorities to ensure an orderly and safe pilgrimage route.
"At least 100,000 devotees are expected to accompany the chariot, with route planning carefully designed to accommodate the large crowd,” he said.
He added that volunteers will play a crucial role in crowd management, providing directions and assisting devotees throughout the event.
"The Devasthanam (SMMTD) will deploy 1,500 volunteers over the three-day festival, while enforcement agencies, including DBKL, will help monitor crowd movements and prevent overcrowding,” he said. – Bernama
