KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves will feature enhanced medical and emergency response services, as an estimated 1.2 to 1.5 million devotees and visitors are expected to gather at the temple site on the day.
To manage the large number of devotees, a Central Control Command Communication and Coordination unit has been established under the directive of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam (SMMTD) chairman Tan Sri R. Nadaraja to ensure a streamlined emergency response system.
The temple’s medical and emergency coordinator for Thaipusam 2025, Datuk Dr AT Kumararajah, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring efficient management of the large number of devotees and visitors.
“The Selayang Emergency and Trauma Team will be mobilised to provide continuous medical support throughout the festival. As Batu Caves is the focal point of the celebrations, the team has been preparing to handle potential medical emergencies,” he said in a statement, Bernama reported.
He added that the medical commander for Thaipusam 2025 and an emergency medical specialist at Hospital Selayang, Dr Nabil Muhammad, has been leading this initiative for over a decade, with the involvement of eight hospitals under the Health Ministry (KKM) alongside nine government agencies, uniformed bodies, and volunteer organisations.
Among the participating agencies are KKM, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, St John Ambulance Wilayah Persekutuan, 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.
Meanwhile, 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 5.6ha Batu Caves grounds to the riverside, including where the kavadi begin their journey and the temple’s interior.
“The layout ensures that emergency teams can navigate dense crowds efficiently, thus reducing response times and providing immediate assistance.
“The other hotspot is the 272 steps leading to the main cave temple, as well as the 14km route taken by the silver chariot from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Tun HS Lee to Batu Caves,” he said.
SMMTD trustee Datuk N. Sivakumar said the silver chariot procession, bearing the idol of Lord Muruga, will depart from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Jalan Tun HS Lee at 9pm on Feb 9.
He said preparations include collaborations with the Royal Malaysia Police, Selayang Municipal Council, and local authorities to ensure an orderly and safe pilgrimage route.
Meanwhile, the Kedah government announced that Feb 11 will be an occasional holiday in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration.Kedah deputy state secretary (Management) Datuk Dr Nadzman Mustaffa, in his official letter to state and Federal heads of departments, said yesterday that the occasional holiday is in line with the provisions under Section 9(1) of the Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369).