GEORGE TOWN, January 24 – The Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) has clarified that the decision to stop music at Thaneer Panthals by 11pm on February 1 during Thaipusam was made purely on safety grounds, following lessons from last year’s overcrowding incident.
Deputy chairman Dr R. Lingeshwaran said the directive applies only on that night to ensure kavadi bearers can reach the hilltop Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in time for the Thirukaapu ritual at 11pm.
Stressing that Thaipusam celebrations do not end at that hour and panthals may continue serving devotees throughout the night. He explained that police had initially proposed a 10pm cutoff after last year’s festival, which drew over one million devotees and saw severe congestion that hampered emergency access.
Before the time was extended to 11pm after discussions. With an even larger crowd expected this year due to the long weekend, PHEB prioritised safety while remaining open to reviewing the measure in future. The board is also implementing additional crowd-control measures.
Including a special permit system for Ratham Kavadi processions, amid ongoing public debate over the new regulations as Penang prepares to welcome more than a million devotees and tourists for Thaipusam.
