IPOH, Jan 31 — Thaipusam celebrations here are so far going smoothly despite Hindu devotees rushing to fulfil their vows before the lunar eclipse, which will be from 7.30pm to 11.30pm today.
Deputy state police chief Datuk Omar Mammah said police have been working around the clock to keep the situation at the Thaipusam festival site safe.
“We have a large crowd turnout for the Thaipusam festival.
“But, the situation is still under control and safe. No untoward incidents have been reported so far,” he told reporters when met at the police thanner panthal (refreshment stall) in front of the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh here.
Omar said police have deployed around 1,000 personnel and placed three mobile police stations in the area around Kallumalai temple.
“The police personnel who were assigned will be on duty until the festival is over,” he added.
Omar said among the armed force departments who were involved in the Thaipusam operation are the Federal Reserve Unit, Traffic Police, General Operation Force (PGA) and a few others.
Earlier, Omar, who was accompanied by the Perak State Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department head Senior Assistant Commissioner Selven Tharmalingam and Perak Narcotic Chief Assistant Commissioner Ravi Chandran Ramachandran distributed 500 goodies bags to the devotees.
“We included crime prevention leaflets in the goodie bag. The leaflets contain advice on how to avoid being a victim of crime,” he said.
Omar also visited several stalls and refreshment stalls along the Kallumalai temple and greeted the devotees who were present at the festival.
