Several roads in Gombak will be blocked in conjunction with the Thaipusam procession from today (27th January) right until the early morning of 29th January.
Arifai Tarawe, Gombak police chief Assistant Commissioner stated that several roads have been blocked following the permission of the National Security Council (NSC) to let the procession of the chariot carrying the statue of Lord Murugan from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple located in Jalan Tun H.S Lee until Seri Subramaniam Temple in Batu Caves tomorrow.
Tarawe made a statement that “The route involves the slip road to Batu Caves Temple, the slip road from MRR2 to Jalan Perusahaan Batu Caves, junction of Jalan Perusahaan to Batu Caves roundabout and road to main bathing spot in Sungai Batu Caves“.
He also stated that the roads would open up again on 29th January at 6am. Tarawe also advised the people to avoid turning up because prayers at temples during Thaipusam are not allowed. Also, all parties should follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) under the Movement Control Order (MCO) stage.
Tarawe also warned people that the police will have no hesitation in taking strict actions against those caught breaking the SOPs as stipulated by the NSC.
Here is a list of roads closed for the time being:
- Route with the slip road to Batu Caves Temple.
- The slip road from MRR2 leading towards Jalan Perusahaan Batu Caves.
- Jalan Perusahaan junction to the roundabout of Batu Caves.
- The road leading to the main bathing site in Sungai Batu Caves.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthanam chairman Tan Sri R. Nadarajah stated this morning that the procession was carried on with the assistance and support of the police.
Nadarajah also expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister, the NSC with Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob alongside Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan for giving permission to allow the chariot procession to carry on.
Sources: New Straits Times, The Star.
