THE Penang government today appealed to the National Security Council and National Unity Ministry to reconsider the standard operating procedures (SOP) set for the Thaipusam celebration.

Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy, who is also Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman, said the official appeal will be submitted today to specifically seek a relaxation of SOP for the celebration at the Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam Temple (hilltop temple).

“Whether the appeal is accepted or not, we will adhere to the SOP set. However, we hope for a relaxation (of the SOP) for this celebration,” he told reporters at Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak in George Town today.

Meanwhile, hilltop temple chairman R. Subramaniam has listed four things that the state government is appealing for – the age limit allowed for fully vaccinated individuals to attend the temple, an extension of the temple’s operating hours, attendance capacity at the temple be increased to 3,000 devotees and the number of people escorting the chariot be allowed up to 500.

He hoped that the appeal will be given due consideration by the National Security Council and National Unity Ministry.

On Wednesday, National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique announced that the “paal koodam” (carrying of milk pots) ceremony, prayer activities and the chariot procession would be allowed, without involving the “kavadi” ceremony for the Thaipusam festival this year.

According to her, all the SOP set for the festival were made based on the recommendations of the temple management as well as the health risk assessment and prevention of Covid-19 transmission. – Bernama, January 14, 2022.