GEORGE TOWN: The standard operating procedure (SOP) for the upcoming Thaipusam festivals next week will be finalised soon, said state police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.

       Comm Mohd Shuhaily said the SOPs would be finalised and announced by related agencies and hope everyone, especially the devotees would comply with the SOP in effort to prevent Covid 19 outbreak.

       "The police will work with the temple management committee so that SOP will be complied by all parties," he said during a press conference at state police contingent headquarters.

       Comm Mohd Shuhaily said the temple could play important roles in making sure to inform devotees during the celebration regarding the SOP compliance such as the total number of devotees that could enter temples at any one time.

       He said the police were told that only 1,000 devotees could participate in the two chariot procession during the Thaipusam celebration.

       Last Friday (Jan 7 ) state deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy said only 1,000 devotees who were registered were allowed to follow the golden chariot procession, and only 500 people into the Sree Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple at any one time.

       He was reportedly said that there would also be no kavadis, thaneer panthals (refreshment stalls), breaking of coconuts during chariot procession and shaving of heads during the festival on Jan 18.

       He reportedly said that only paal kudam (milk pot) was allowed.

       He said the proposed measures had been forwarded to the National Security Council (NSC) for approval and urged devotees to do a Covid-19 test with a self-test kit before joining the festivities.