Special counter to register as VSP members during Thaipusam in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Police have opened a special counter for the public and tourists attending the Thaipusam celebration in Jalan Kebun Bunga to register as members in the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) mobile app.
State Police chief Datuk A. Thaiveegan said the public were encouraged to download and use the app as a measure to help the police in combating crime in Penang.
"We opened the counter to encourage the public to register as members because VSP has been seen suitable to be adopted in channelling crime-related information to the police.
"The development of today's technology has enabled the public to get information faster, and it is hoped that the use of VSP will also enable them to channel crime-related information to the police," he told reporters after observing the Thaipusam celebration at Jalan Kebun Bunga here today.
Hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees flocked the Jalan Kebun Bunga area, especially the main road heading to Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthabani Temple, for the Thaipusam celebration since this morning.
Thaiveegan said the number of devotees, as well as visitors and tourists attending the celebration was expected to reach one million by this evening.
As such, he said the Penang police had deployed 1,500 staff to maintain security and public order throughout the three-day celebration.
"Members of the public are also reminded to protect their personal belongings from pickpockets and snatch thieves, while at the same time, to avoid any commotion," he added. — Bernama