Police, military begin joint patrols for Thaipusam

The police and military have started joint security patrols for Thaipusam at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple grounds in Batu Caves.

Gombak police chief ACP Ali Ahmad said the patrols, which started today, had been necessitated by the recent terror attacks in several cities around the world.

Thaipusam falls on Sunday but will be celebrated over three days from Saturday, taking into account the chariot procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Bandar to the Batu Caves temple and back.

Ali did not disclose the number of policemen or soldiers who would be deployed on the patrols but said there was an adequate number of personnel for the duty.

“Terror attacks can happen anywhere. As such, the police are taking precautions, including at Batu Caves,” he told a news conference at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple. Also present was the temple committee chairperson R Nadarajah.

Ali said security at Batu Caves was under control and the place was safe for Hindu devotees and visitors.

“Do not speculate on the security at Batu Caves and cause anxiety and panic among the people. Anyone violating police orders would be dealt with by the law,” he said.

More than a million devotees and visitors are expected at Batu Caves over the weekend for the Thaipusam festival.

Meanwhile, Ali also said that the police would not allow irresponsible people to collect payment for parking vehicles in the vicinity of Batu Caves during Thaipusam.

“We will monitor the situation. We advise the public not to pay any parking fees (to these irresponsible people),” he said.

Source - Bernama

Batu Caves safe for Thaipusam, say police

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 — Devotees and visitors going for Thaipusam at Batu Caves this weekend have been assured of their safety. Selangor police chief Datuk Abdul Samah said police have started tightening security in Batu Caves.

 “The Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves is on the tourism calendar of the country and we have always given attention to security at public places,” he said.

 “We have taken into account all factors to determine the strength of our force to be deployed at Batu Caves.” Following instructions from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to heighten security following terror attacks in Jakarta, Abdul Samah said security measures at public places, including Batu Caves, would be at the highest level.

City traffic investigations and legal officer Supt S. Markandan said police would also crack down on illegal parking activities at Batu Caves and at surrounding areas known for having illegal parking attendants during Thaipusam.

Markandan said police would not only issue summonses but also tow away vehicles that disrupt traffic flow. “There will be no leeway for motorists who break the law,” he said.

He also advised the public to use public transportation to avoid adding to the congestion and to know where the road closures would be during the chariot processions that will take place two days before and after Thaipusam.

There will not be complete road closures during the processions unless deemed necessary, Markandan added


Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/batu-caves-safe-for-thaipusam-say-police#sthash.W2O5wK0o.dpuf