MORE than 300,000 visitors are expected to throng Batu Caves in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration, starting this evening until tomorrow.

Acting Selangor police chief S. Sasikala Devi Subramaniam said this was after the management of temples in Batu Caves informed the police they are expecting more visitors when the chariots arrive this evening.

“So far, the situation in Batu Caves is under control despite traffic congestion in the area,” he told a press conference after checking on the preparations for the Thaipusam festival today.

Meanwhile, she said as many as 1,888 members of the police force would be deployed to ensure that the Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves takes place smoothly.

Sasikala also advised visitors not to park their vehicles by the roadside as it could obstruct the chariot procession.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur police chief Azmi Abu Kassim, in a statement today, said a total of 682 police officers had been deployed to facilitate the chariot procession from the Sri Maha Mariammam temple in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee to the Subramaniam temple in Batu Caves.

He said following that, several roads in the city were closed and traffic diversions were activated beginning last night until 4 am today, as well as from 6 pm to midnight on Monday (Feb 6).

Among the affected roads are Jalan Tun H.S.Lee, Jalan Sultan, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Tun Perak/Pudu, Lebuh Ampang, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Sri Amar, Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah.

“The public is advised to plan their journey and use alternative routes to avoid getting stuck in traffic congestion,” he said.

He also urged those with information on any criminal activity to call the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-2115 9999 or contact the nearest police station. – Bernama, February 4, 2023.