GEORGE TOWN – With Hindu temples’ operating times cut short due to Thaipusam SOPs, devotees in Penang are not taking any chances with many lining up early to enter the iconic Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam Temple (Hilltop Temple) from 3am this morning.
This comes after many were left stranded outside the compound yesterday after its enforced closure at 5pm.
According to Penang Hindu Association president P Murugiah, many did not know about the new SOPs that include shortened opening hours from 8.30am to 5pm during the Thaipusam period.
“Many of these people do not have smartphones and internet connection. Some did not read the newspapers, so they came expecting the temple to close at 8.30pm, like normal. But then, the gates were already closed,” he told The Vibes.
However, the temple will be open until 11pm today.
Its chairman Datuk R Subramaniam said the temple is complying with all the SOPs set but the early presence of devotees here was regulated by police who had set up checkpoints since Sunday.
Before entering, devotees have to line up until their number reaches 150 people, who are allowed to climb the 513 steps to reach the top of the temple.
Northeast district police chief Soffian Santong said the police are satisfied with the SOP compliance rate and hope that the peaceful situation will continue right until 11pm tonight.
He added that the interviews conducted by the police found that the worshippers who were present at the Hilltop Temple today also included pilgrims from other states, namely from Kedah, Selangor and Perak.
Other than the operating hours, temples are to conduct sanitisation every 30 minutes.
Speaking to The Vibes, Murugiah believes that though the SOPs are welcome, it does not make sense that other public spaces such as malls and hospitals that host many people do not need to take such measures.
“I know someone who rarely goes out who was infected with Covid-19 from the hospital. He takes his mother-in-law to the hospital to receive treatment, but he caught the virus from there.
“I think the SOPs implemented on all the temples during Thaipusam should also be implemented in other public places that are at risk of spreading the virus,” he said.
Many devotees prefer Thaipusam with strict SOPs enforced as they believed it is for their own health and safety. Though it is a muted affair this year, those who come to fulfil their vows are happy because there is not much distraction, keeping them in tune spiritually. – The Vibes, January 18, 2022
