By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Jan 18 — Hindu devotees have remained disciplined by adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOP) while celebrating Thaipusam at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, in Batu Caves, Gombak, here today.
Selangor Non-Islamic Affairs Standing Committee co-chairman V Ganabatirau said policemen, enforcers and volunteers were stationed at the location since early morning to ensure there is no violation of the SOPs.
“Overall, the Hindus welcomes the SOP issued by the National Security Council (NSC). They wore face masks, check body temperature and practise social distancing to avoid Covid-19 infection and being subjected to action.
“Although the celebration was relatively quiet, most importantly they get a chance to fulfil their vows,” he said after a visit to Batu Caves with National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique and Human Resources Minister M Saravanan.
Ganabatirau said his team had not detected any small traders running businesses inside or outside of the temple area.
“To avoid crowdedness, the government had disallowed any kind of businesses or programmes that could attract attention. So today, I did not see any stalls being set up inside or outside the temple area,” said the Kota Kemuning state assemblyman.
Meanwhile, Ganabatirau had also announced that 4,000 food baskets will be distributed to reduce the burden of the Hindu community involving an expenditure of almost RM200,000.
He said the distribution through the Indian community heads will start next week focusing on areas affected by last year’s massive flood.
