[UPDATED] No more than 100 people allowed to accompany Thaipusam chariot: Gombak police chief

KUALA LUMPUR – After a week of confusion surrounding the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Thaipusam, the police have decided to allow a maximum of 100 people from the temple management team to accompany the chariot procession.

Gombak district police chief ACP Zainal Mohamed said the chariot will depart the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Tun HS Lee here to the Batu Caves temple.

During the procession, only a maximum of 100 people are allowed to accompany the chariot.

There would also be 10 stops along the police-approved route.

Additionally, only those above 18 years old and fully vaccinated are allowed to participate in religious activities during Thaipusam at the Batu Caves temple.

Zainal said social distancing must be maintained at all times, while participants are required to check in on their MySejahtera application, and masks must be worn at all times.

The Thaipusam SOPs will be in effect midnight tomorrow until midnight of January 19.

“At any day during the Thaipusam period, only 6,000 individuals are allowed at the Batu Caves temple.

“There will be 12 prayer sessions on January 16, 17, and 19, from 5am to 5pm.

“On January 18, there will be 18 prayer sessions from 5am to 11pm,” Zainal said in a press conference at the Gombak district police headquarters.

Each prayer session is about 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of sanitation work. A maximum of 500 individuals are allowed during each prayer session.

“Kavadi processions are not allowed.”

However, paal kodam (carrying of milk pots) processions are allowed since yesterday until January 19, with no more than 100 individuals per session.

Those carrying the pots must register with the temple management and use the tags provided.

He added that the head shaving and ritual bathing ceremonies will be allowed.

As for road closures, Zainal said seven routes will be closed, mostly roads near Batu Caves.

Thaipusam celebrations begin tomorrow until January 19. – The Vibes, January 15, 2022