KUALA LUMPUR – The 6,000 cap on Hindu devotees allowed to perform Thaipusam religious obligations at the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves today has adversely affected many businesses that used to make a killing prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While the traders acknowledge that proper compliance with Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be and is being observed, the fact remains that there will be a decline in sales compared to yesteryears.
Business owner Shanti Veerapan told The Vibes that the crowd this year is much smaller than it used to be, and this has impacted her bottom line.
“Yesterday was supposed to be very crowded, but there were very few people. (This year’s business is) very slow compared to previous years.
“In 2019, in around a week, (our sales on average) were almost RM50,000. This time, of course, we don’t expect to make as much,” she said.
That year saw nearly 400,000 worshippers and tourists flocking to the famous cave temple for the Thaipusam celebration.
The festivities usually saw Hindu penitents bearing their kavadi – ceremonial sacrifices weighing roughly around 25kg to 30kg on average – up the famed 272 steps of the Sri Subramaniar Temple.
Despite her disappointment, Shanti explained that she understood the need for the SOPs to be put in place as a means of controlling crowd sizes.
“It’s better to follow the SOPs. Big crowds are still unsafe now,” she said.
Meanwhile, a restaurant owner expressed her gratitude to all who had contributed to ensure the success of this year’s celebration despite some challenges and hurdles.
The operator of Restoran Rajan, who declined to be named, said she was very thankful to all who supported her enterprise, as well as for the fact that the festival was not outright cancelled this year – especially in light of the new Omicron variant.
Despite her low sales, the businesswoman remained optimistic.
“We are not doing well in terms of sales this year, so we are looking forward to next year.
“But at least there is something this year, compared to last year (when we had) nothing at all.”
This year, according to the SOPs, temporary shops are not allowed to operate during Thaipusam at Batu Caves.
Only permanent shops already established on temple grounds are allowed to function.
Meanwhile, the National Security Council mandated that only 6,000 devotees are allowed to enter Batu Caves today, and only 500 devotees are allowed to participate in each prayer session. – The Vibes, January 18, 2022
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