3,000 to help out at Batu Caves
KUALA LUMPUR: Some 3,000 medical and enforcement personnel will be on hand to assist the multitude of people expected to throng the temple during Thaipusam.
Close to 14 different agencies from government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will help coordinate and ensure the safety of devotees and visitors to Batu Caves, said Sri Maha Mariamman Temple secretary C. Sethu Pathy.
“There are about 1,531 police and security personnel who will be stationed here,” said Sethu in a press conference yesterday.
Other agencies in the safety and security management include Health Ministry, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Department while NGOs include Malaysian Red Crescent, Malaysian Indian Voluntary Ambulance Services, St Johns Ambulance Malaysia, KTM Komuter and Sapura.
Thaipusam falls on Jan 21, but devotees start thronging Batu Caves several days earlier.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple trustee Datuk Dr A.T. Kumararajah said some 1.6 million devotees and visitors are expected to visit as Thaipusam falls close to a weekend.
Kumararajah, who is also in charge of the emergency response team management for this year’s Thaipusam celebrations, said there are eight hospitals in the surrounding area.
Dr Kumararajah said in case of any medical emergencies, devotees and visitors can also call 013-453 1761.
“This number is connected to the command centres,” he added.
Selayang Hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Department physician Dr Siva Perumal said there will be 350 personnel from the Health Ministry on shift on Thaipusam and the days leading to it.
Dr Siva advised devotees and visitors to always be hydrated and ensure they are in good health.
“Based on statistics from last year, there were a lot of heat-related issues because people did not drink enough water, and these are the visitors, not the devotees (performing traditional rites such as) carrying the kavadi,” he said.
Wilayah Keretapi St John Ambulance operational officer Mohd Sukri Ahmad Junid said there will also be medical doctors from their organisation in the KTM commuter trains from Jan 20-22.
Source: TheStar
