SEVERAL main roads in Penang will be closed to make way for the procession of the Silver Chariot and Golden Chariot in conjunction with Thaipusam, where about 1.5 million Hindu devotees are expected to attend on Sunday.

Penang police chief Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said a few roads around George Town will be closed from 6.30am on February 4 until 7pm on February 6.

“This year, there will be two chariot processions. Both the Silver Chariot and the Golden Chariot processions will take place on February 4. The procession of the Golden Chariot will begin at the temple in Lebuh Queen at 6.30am, while the procession of the Silver Chariot will begin at the temple in Lebuh Penang at 7.30am.

“Both chariots will leave Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam on February 6 at 6pm and 7.30 pm, respectively,” he said.

He said Jalan Kebun Bunga and Jalan Gottlieb will be fully closed during the procession for both chariots, while Jalan Utama, Jalan Burma, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Cantonment, Jalan Nunn, Jalan Brown, Jalan Scotland, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Victoria and several other roads would be temporarily closed depending on the movement of the chariots.

Shuhaily said 1,250 members of the police force will be deployed to ensure that the Thaipusam celebration proceeds smoothly without any untoward incidents.

As a safety measure, he also advised the public to not let off fireworks, consume alcohol, or wear jewellery that might attract the attention of criminals.

“Action will be taken against any party that does not comply with the instructions from the authorities,” he said. – Bernama, February 1, 2023.