Thaipusam: Public advised to adhere to SOP - Ismail Sabri

KUALA LUMPUR: Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today reminded the public not to march with nor gather on the side of the road to view the chariot carrying the statue of Lord Murugan in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival.

He said this was in view of the Movement Control Order (MCO), and the police would be stationed along the route where the chariot will pass through to ensure no other gathers around.

"I hope everyone can follow the SOP, so that no action is taken against anyone and the chariot can move smoothly," he said during his press conference on the MCO here, today.

The government had previously announced that the silver chariot of the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves would be allowed to travel along the prescribed route for the festival, however, only 10 individuals would be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Commenting further, Ismail Sabri said the chariot would be allowed to travel from the Sri Maha Mariamman Dhevasthanam Temple at Jalan Tun H.S Lee here to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple at 3 am tomorrow (Jan 27), and return to the Sri Maha Mariamman Dhevasthanam Temple at the same time on Friday.

"We chose this time because it will not be too crowded and the roads will be quiet as we know business activities are only allowed to operate until 8 pm, and restaurants till 10 pm," he said.

In a similar development, Ismail Sabri said the government had also stipulated that all other Thaipusam-related ceremonies at the temple were not allowed, and that believers were encouraged to perform prayer ceremonies in their respective homes.

"Although we do not allow (any ceremonies) in the temple, we have given an exemption for five committee members or temple staff to go to the temples to perform religious ceremonies,” he said, adding that the decision was made after considering all aspects, including the rising number of daily COVID-19 cases, as well as advice from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Unity.

-- BERNAMA