Thaipusam: Police issue warning against provocation during chariot procession

The police have warned those who provoke or incite with the intention to cause chaos during the silver chariot procession on Thursday will not escape the strong arm of the law. 

Sentul police chief ACP S Shanmugamoorthy Chinniah said he would not hesitate to take firm action to ensure that the procession runs smoothly and all parties have been advised to maintain racial sensitivity.

“Based on past experience, we have found there are people who commit offences such as making noise and drinking alcohol in the open. We will not hesitate to take stern action against them in accordance with the provisions of the law,” he told a press conference at Sentul district police headquarters today.

Shanmugamoorthy said the procession from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, which starts at 10pm on Thurday, is expected to enter the route within the Sentul police district jurisdiction between 4am and 5am on Friday.

“The security on our side (Sentul) starts at Jalan Tun Razak in front of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Maxwell to Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, at the junction of Batu 5 Jalan Ipoh,  and Jalan Kuching until the Batu Caves roundabout.

“For the return journey, expected to be between 6pm and 10pm on Feb 9, it involves the same route except for a detour at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah near Jalan Batu Cantonment and (the procession) will exit at SMK (Perempuan) Jalan Ipoh,” he said. 

He said some 700 officers and personnel from the Kuala Lumpur Contingent Police Headquarters were assigned to control and maintain security during the festival procession.

- Bernama