23 Jan 2024 | 06:56 AM UTC
Malaysia: Thaipusam festival celebrations to occur nationwide Jan, 23-27, especially in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh
Thaipusam festival to occur across Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh, Jan. 23-27. Increased security, disruptions likely.
Malaysia will mark Thaipusam, a Hindu festival, with celebrations Jan. 23-27. Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya, and Selangor states have declared a public holiday Jan. 25. The largest celebrations will occur in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh, while smaller events will take place in other cities nationwide.
Kuala Lumpur: Festivities will start with a chariot procession from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 21:00 Jan. 23. The chariot is scheduled to arrive at Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves, Selangor State, approximately 11 km (7 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, at 15:00 Jan. 24. The return trip will start from Batu Caves at 15:00 Jan. 26, and is planned to conclude at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 03:00 Jan. 27. Around 2 million visitors will likely join the celebrations.
Penang: Festivities will involve two chariot processions. The first will begin from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Queen Street at 05:30 Jan. 24, and conclude at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple at around 23:00. The second will begin at Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple on Penang Street at 06:30 Jan. 24, and end at Nattukotai Chettiar Temple on Jalan Kebun Bunga at around 23:00. The chariots will make a return procession to their original temples Jan. 26. One million devotees will probably travel to Penang for the festival.
Ipoh: A chariot procession is set to start from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Sungai, from 06:00 Jan. 24, with a planned arrival time of 12:00 at Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple. The chariot is scheduled to leave Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple at 17:00 Jan. 26 and return to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 11:59 Jan. 27. Around 500,000 devotees will likely attend the event.
Authorities will almost certainly bolster security, including erecting roadblocks and security cordons, at the processions and other festival events. Transport disruptions are likely through Jan. 27 due to processions and security measures. In the past, authorities have imposed prohibitions on the sale of alcohol in several locations, including along procession routes, to minimize the potential for security incidents; police may implement similar measures in the upcoming festival. Increased pickpocketing and petty theft are possible in crowded areas.
Plan for business disruptions. Allow additional time to reach destinations near celebration sites and procession routes through Jan. 27. Consider taking alternative routes to avoid affected areas. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and other valuables in crowded areas; carefully guard belongings.
