Several roads in Penang to be closed for Thaipusam chariot procession

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 1  (Bernama) --  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 Mohad Shuhaily Mohd Zain said that several roads around George Town will be closed from 6:30 am on Feb 4 until 7 pm on Feb 6.

“This year, there will be two chariot processions. Both the Silver Chariot and the Golden Chariot processions will take place on Feb 4. The procession of the Golden Chariot will begin at the temple in Lebuh Queen at 6.30 am, while the procession of the Silver Chariot will begin at the temple in Lebuh Penang at 7.30 am.

“Both chariots will leave Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam on Feb 6 at 6 pm and 7.30 pm, 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.

Mohd 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