CLEANLINESS, SAFETY CONTROLS ENHANCED AHEAD OF THAIPUSAM CELEBRATION IN BATU CAVES

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- The management of the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves has enhanced cleanliness measures in the area by increasing the number of rubbish bins, in line with the enforcement of the ban on littering in public places, which came into effect on Jan 1.

Sri Mahamariamman Devasthanam Temple Trustee Datuk N. Sivakumar said the move was taken to ensure the surrounding area remained clean and orderly throughout the festive celebration.

“In line with the law that has been enforced, particularly on cleanliness aspects, we have provided more than 300 small rubbish bins in addition to large-sized bins for waste collection purposes using lorries,” he told Bernama today.

He also advised devotees and visitors to comply with the established cleanliness guidelines and dispose of rubbish only at designated locations.

On preparations for the Thaipusam celebration, Sivakumar said planning had been carried out early with close cooperation from various government agencies to ensure the smooth running and safety of the event.

“Preparations leading up to the Thaipusam celebration will begin from Jan 30, including the movement of the chariot.

“These preparations will be carried out through close cooperation with government agencies such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), while preparations for paal kudam (milk pot) and kavadi bearers are planned and implemented over a period of two to three months,” he said.

At a subsequent press conference, Sivakumar said visitors and devotees were not allowed to bring any dangerous items into the celebration area to prevent any untoward incidents.

He said the management and security agencies would continuously monitor the situation and take immediate action should there be any violation of the law.

“Immediate action will be taken based on existing legal provisions against any offence, if detected,” he said.

Thaipusam, which falls on Sunday, is one of the most important Hindu festivals and a major cultural event in Malaysia, with Batu Caves as the focal point of the celebration.

-- BERNAMA