Sale, Consumption Of Liquor During Chariot Procession, Temple Area Banned - Exco

IPOH, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- The Perak state government has banned the sale and consumption of liquor at all locations of the chariot procession during the Thaipusam celebration which will take place at the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh here, from Feb 10 to 12.

Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the ban was implemented for the first time following complaints among devotees and visitors during the celebration at the venue.

"Previously, there were complaints that alcohol was being sold and drinking activities rampant during the float procession, especially at night, but no strict action was taken.

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"So this time, if it happens (selling and drinking), the police will not tolerate, they will be arrested and taken to court," he said during a Thaipusam Day 2025 celebration pres conference at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building here today.

Sivanesan said a total of 350,000 people are expected to attend the festival at the temple, which is one of the designated spots for Hindus in the country during Thaipusam.

"To ensure the smooth celebration of the festival, a total of 400 policemen will be deployed at the location and assisted by several other agencies that will be directly involved throughout the three days of the festival," he said.

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Meanwhile, he said the public are advised to avoid going through Jalan Raja Muda Aziz, Jalan Sultan Idris, Jalan Sultan Yusof, Jalan Lahat, Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Sungai Pari, which are the routes to the temple.

"We do not close the roads, we just advise the public not to pass through the stated roads to avoid congestion during the chariot procession on the designated routes," he said.

He also urged individuals who are interested in opening stalls near the temple to submit their application to the Ipoh City Council (MBI) no later than Feb 8.

"Interested individuals can come directly to MBI to fill in the application form for a temporary permit for that purpose and I also remind that action will be taken against any individual who hawks without a permit," he said.

-- BERNAMA