1,700 policemen to ensure smooth Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves

Some 1,700 members of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will be on duty to ensure security at the Batu Caves area during the Thaipusam celebration today which is expected to be attended by about 1.5 million people.

Gombak district police chief, ACP Ali Ahmad said a large number of policemen would be controlling traffic flow in the area because of the huge crowd.

"PDRM will also ensure that visitors do not go to the illegal parking areas and illegally charged by people who are taking advantage of the situation.

"To help visitors, PDRM is allowing visitors to park their vehicles along the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) but only in one lane," he told Bernama.

He said several roads would also be closed in stages for Thaipusam.

"Among the affected roads will be the MRR2 stretch leading to Batu Caves and the Batu Caves roundabout from the direction of Selayang," he said.

Ali added that traffic in Batu Caves on Monday night was reported to be under control and moving smoothly.