Subramaniam urges authorities to increase safety measures for devotees

MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam called on the authorities to increase safety and security measures for Hindu devotees making the annual Thaipusam pilgrimage.

"There should be an increased level of security for the devotees, there should be escorts and traffic wardens to follow them through the pilgrimage," he said.

Dr Subramaniam said this in response to the accident which claimed the lives of three devotees and injured another three along the North-South Expressway, Saturday.

He also expressed his sadness and grief over those who lost their lives and extended his condolences to the family members of the victims.

He also called on the police to investigate the driver responsible for the mishap that occurred at 8.30am while some 45 devotees were walking from Senawang near Seremban to the Batu Caves temple here for tomorrow’s Thaipusam celebration.

He further said that mode of devotion is very common among the Hindus, and most of them use a highway for their annual pilgrimage to Batu Caves.

"They (devotees) have been walking for years, without any accidents," he said, stating the possibility that the driver might have been speeding and lost control of his vehicle.