1,500 police to be deployed in Penang for Thaipusam

GEORGE TOWN: About 1,500 police personnel will be deployed during the Thaipusam celebration in Penang next week.
Penang police chief Datuk A. Thaiveegan said the police force will be working around the clock to ensure that the festival will be held peacefully.
"Proper preparation has been done and police personnel will be on standby one day before the festival and a day after that," he said during a press conference at the Penang police contingent headquarters today.
Thaiveegan said the manpower will be sufficient for the annual religious celebration.
"The presence of the force is to instill confidence in the people that police are ready and prepared for any incident," he said.
Thaiveegan also advised devotees and the public to heed police instructions to enable the celebrations to proceed smoothly.
Thousands of Hindu devotees from across the country are expected to flood the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga on Jan 31 during Thaipusam.