BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prayers for the Aandu Vizha anniversary celebration continued as usual at the Shree Deva Maruthuvar Jada Muniswarar Alayam temple outside the hospital in Jalan Kulim here despite concerns over a planned protest.
Devotees arrived with offerings while many others gathered outside the shrine to observe the rituals, which were carried out throughout the day.
A strong police presence was seen in the area, with a roadblock set up nearby and dozens of personnel stationed around the temple to monitor the situation.
Barricades were set up to keep devotees gathered in front of the temple within the road area, resulting in one lane of the two-lane road being occupied.
On Wednesday, police issued a warning against a proposed assembly at the temple and urged the public not to attend or take part in any gathering there.
This followed an alleged plan by a group to hold a gathering called “Operasi Terjahan Rumah Anutan Haram”, which was scheduled for 3pm.
Following discussions between the authorities and the organiser, both parties reached an agreement that the gathering would not proceed.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, who is Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman, had earlier lodged a police report over a Facebook post alleging a plan to demolish the temple located in front of Bukit Mertajam Hospital.
The temple is believed to have existed for about 127 years, predating the nearby hospital.
