Over 300,000 Attend Thaipusam in Ipoh, PDRM Tightens Security
By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH– More than 300,000 Hindu devotees, including tourists, flocked to the grounds of Kallumalai Arulmigu Sri Subramaniar Temple at Gunung Cheroh to celebrate the state-level Thaipusam festival in Perak.
A survey by Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic found that thousands of Hindu devotees began arriving at the temple in the early hours of the morning to perform religious rituals.
Perak’s Acting Police Chief, Deputy Commissioner of Police Zulkafli Sariaat, said security measures had been tightened with the deployment of 567 officers and personnel from various PDRM units, including Jaga Aman, CANTAS, traffic police, MPV, FRU, LSF, and the Volunteer Police Reserve Unit (SSPDRM).
“The temple management, Hindu devotees, and visitors are urged to cooperate with the police to ensure a smooth and orderly Thaipusam celebration.
“All attendees must comply with the rules and regulations throughout the festival to prevent any untoward incidents,” he said during a High Profile Policing (HPP) session at the temple today.
To facilitate the movement of the chariot (pedati) and kavadi processions, several major roads in Ipoh were closed and rerouted, including the route from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Sungai Pari, Buntong, to Sri Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh.
“The police issued a road closure notice through a media statement by the Ipoh District Police Chief on February 7, 2025, via the official Facebook page of the Ipoh District Police,” he added.
The public has been advised to adhere to the authorities’ instructions to ease traffic congestion and ensure a smooth celebration.
As part of its community outreach efforts, PDRM Perak set up a Thaneer Panthal tent, manned by 75 senior officers, lower-ranking officers, and Hindu civilian personnel.
Since February 10, a total of 6,000 food packets and 14,000 servings of hot and cold beverages have been distributed for free to devotees and visitors.
“This morning, we conducted a High Profile Policing session, engaging with the community, offering safety advice, and distributing goodie bags containing safety brochures, bottled water, and fruits to attendees,” he said.
PDRM also urged the temple management and the public to extend their cooperation throughout the celebrations to ensure a smooth Thaipusam and prevent any untoward incidents.
