GEORGE TOWN: The elderly, the ill and those with comorbidities have been urged not to visit the Arulmigu Sree Balathandayuthapani Waterfall hilltop temple during the peak of the Thaipusam celebrations.

       Temple chairman Datuk R. Subramaniam said they should visit only after the peak period, which falls on Jan 17 and 18.

       “This is to allow everyone to safely take part in the festival and help us manage the crowd,” he said.

       He said the temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga here was currently 90% prepared for the festival.

       “We will update our standard operating procedure (SOP) according to announcements from the National Security Council (NSC) from time to time,” he told a press conference during state police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain’s visit to the temple yesterday.

       Comm Mohd Shuhaily said the SOP had yet to be finalised, adding that they would wait for a final decision from the NSC before arranging manpower for the festival.

       “Although it has been announced earlier that some 1,000 devotees would be allowed for the (chariot) procession, this is subject to change.

       “In terms of preparedness, the police are prepared and up to 1,300 officers are ready to be deployed.”

       He acknowledged that traffic congestion would be inevitable, especially on the two peak days.

       “We are sure Penangites know this as this is an annual festival. We hope the public will cooperate.

       “As for devotees, we hope they will keep themselves up to date on the SOP,” Comm Mohd Shuhaily added.