By Amin Ridzuan Ishak
SHAH ALAM, Jan 18 — Hindus in Taman Sri Muda here celebrated Thaipusam today on a moderate scale in accordance to tradition despite still being traumatised by the massive floods that hit in mid-December last year.
At the Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Section 23 here around 60 Hindus had visited the house of worship to perform prayers and ‘paal koodam’ ceremonies or carrying a pot of milk.
All visitors wore face masks and practised social distancing at the temple.
The Hindu devotees were residents from nearby areas including Taman Sri Muda and Bukit Kemuning.
Temple chairman T Sugurthalingam said the prayer ceremonies went on as usual despite the flood incident last month which had damaged several pieces of equipment in several areas of the premises.
“We have fixed the affected areas to provide comfort to the devotees performing the Thaipusam prayer ceremonies.
“The celebration is done on a moderate scale and follows the standard operating procedures (SOP) to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“This temple can accommodate 200 people but we limited the numbers to ensure social distancing can be practised,” he said when met here today.
Sugurthalingam added that the temple had also channelled aid to flood victims in Taman Sri Muda and the surrounding areas when the disaster hit on December 18.
“We donated food and items such as clothes and blankets to comfort the victims. This temple was also turned into an aid collection centre,” he said.
