Be mindful about cleanliness: Penang Island City Council workers sweeping the road along Jalan Utama which will be the centre of Thaipusam celebrations in Penang. Authorities are urging devotees to avoid littering and to dispose of their rubbish mindfully during the celebration. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: As thaneer panthal (refreshment) stalls are set up across the city ahead of Thaipusam, traffic has slowed to a crawl on several major roads.
The main artery of the celebrations – Jalan Utama and Jalan Kebun Bunga – saw slow-moving traffic as volunteers were busy setting up decorations, while holidaymakers also headed into the city for the festivities.
As in past years, the road saw a burst of colours as the stalls, some decorated to resemble mini temples, were being constructed.
The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has urged road users to plan their journeys around the island. Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran also said devotees should park at suitable locations.
“If vehicles are found to be blocking roads or access points, they will be towed away.
“We advise the public to use the bus services provided during the festival period,” he told a press conference at the MBPP Landscape Office along Jalan Utama yesterday.
Rajendran also called on devotees to refrain from littering.
“Celebration and cleanliness go hand in hand. It is everyone’s duty to keep the roads clean.
“There will be 500 council workers on the ground. It takes us a while to clean up after the festival as it is not just the main areas that are affected. Other roads and locations need to be cleaned too,” he said.
Rajendran said about 100 tonnes of solid waste were produced during Thaipusam each year, with 50% to 55% being food waste.
“If you have something to throw away, keep it in your pocket until you find a dustbin, or take it home and dispose of it.
“We will have enforcement officers on the ground from Jan 31 to Feb 3 as part of our anti-littering campaign.
“While the focus is on education, enforcement action will be taken if necessary, especially in cases involving large quantities of litter. Compounds will be issued,” he said.
“We have set up 27 rubbish bins across the island and provided special bins for food waste. These new bins are part of a food waste separation pilot project, where leftover food will be processed into clean water and compost.
The coconuts collected during the festival would be used as green alternative fuel, while leftover milk would be converted into biogas.
Rajendran said there would be 182 thaneer panthals on the island this year.
“Those distributing or selling food are not allowed to use polystyrene containers or plastic straws,” he said.
Consumers Association of Penang senior education officer NV Subbarow urged devotees, temple authorities, spectators, tourists and charity groups to help make this year’s Thaipusam a zero-waste celebration.
“We want to reduce food wastage, avoid littering and replace single-use plastics with reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives,” he said.
