KUALA LUMPUR: Over 2.5 million people are expected to visit Batu Caves for this year's Thaipusam celebrations, surpassing last year's figures due to the extended holiday period.
Datuk N Sivakumar, trustee of the Sri Mahamariamman Devasthanam Temple, said the estimate accounts for devotees, domestic and international tourists, and general visitors to the area throughout the festival.
"Last year, around 2.5 million people attended over four to seven days. This year, with a longer holiday period, we expect even higher numbers,” he told Bernama.
Thaipusam falls on Feb 1, which coincides with Federal Territory Day.
Sivakumar added that temple management is prioritising safety and cleanliness to ensure the event runs smoothly, in line with the 2026 Visit Malaysia campaign.
Sivakumar said the temple management is coordinating closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which will oversee all security arrangements, including crowd management and procession control.
"PDRM will have complete operational command over security, deploying personnel from the Sentul and Dang Wangi districts with support from the Kuala Lumpur contingent police headquarters. Meanwhile, the Batu Caves area will be managed by the Gombak district police, assisted by the Selangor contingent headquarters,” he explained.
Regarding cleanliness, Sivakumar highlighted the management's ongoing efforts to promote greater public awareness, particularly to address littering and the persistent issue of discarded footwear.
"Last year, nearly three tonnes of shoes ended up as waste. While we respect the tradition of removing shoes for prayer, we ask visitors to either leave them in their car or bring a bag to carry them, to help cut down on rubbish," he added.
He also confirmed that upgrade work on the 20-year-old Lord Murugan statue is now complete, featuring an enhanced lighting system. The monument is set to be a highlight of the festival this year.
"The statue was originally erected in 2006. This year’s refurbishment included the installation of supplementary lighting, reinforcing its role as a major draw for both devotees as well as local and international visitors,” Sivakumar said. - Bernama
