GEORGE TOWN – Several main roads in the state will be closed to make way for the procession of the Silver Chariot and Golden Chariot in conjunction with Thaipusam, where about 1.5 million Hindus are expected to attend on Sunday.
Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said that several roads around George Town will be closed from 6.30am on February 4 until 7pm on February 6.
“This year, there will be two chariot processions. Both the Silver Chariot and the Golden Chariot processions will take place on February 4. The procession of the Golden Chariot will begin at the temple in Lebuh Queen at about 6.30am, while the procession of the Silver Chariot will begin at the temple in Lebuh Penang at about 7.30am.
“Both chariots will leave Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam on February 6 at about 6pm and 7.30pm, respectively,” he said.
He said Jalan Kebun Bunga and Jalan Gotterlib will be fully closed during the procession for both chariots, while Jalan Utama, Jalan Burma, Jalan Macallister, Jalan Cantonment, Jalan Nunn, Jalan Brown, Jalan Scotland, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Victoria, and several other roads would be temporarily closed depending on the movement of the chariots.
Shuhaily said 1,250 police personnel will be deployed to ensure that the Thaipusam celebration proceeds smoothly without any untoward incidents.
As a safety measure, he also advised the public to not let off fireworks, drink alcohol, or wear jewellery that might attract the attention of criminals.
“Action will be taken against any party that does not comply with the authority’s instructions,” he said. – Bernama, February 1, 2023
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