Call for alcohol sales ban during Thaipusam festival

Several groups have called for liquor and beer to be banned from being sold during the annual Thaipusam celebration on Feb 8.

Anti-Cheap Liquor Movement chief David Marshel said the alcoholic drinks should be banned within 5km of the festival area, which is located at the iconic Botanical Gardens.

"This is to prevent disturbances and violence, including fighting, especially among youths due to liquor consumption which happens every year," David told Malaysiakini.

"It's a joint effort, not only by the Penang Hindu Endowment Board, but the police and local councils as well," he added.

David said he supported the views of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) on the matter as the NGO has urged the authorities to ban the consumption of liquor and smoking during Thaipusam.

Citing the spear (Vel) borne by Lord Muruga which symbolises wisdom, CAP education officer N V Subbarow said Hindus can use the deity's guide to lead a better life.

He was referring to alcohol and cheap liquor like samsu which is widely available for purchase during Thaipusam.

Subbarow pointed out there were more than eight shops selling cheap liquor in Little India.

“Alcohol and smoking have no relevance to Thaipusam, the act of consuming these substances contradicts the very purpose of the religious festival," Subbarow had said in a statement.

"Shops selling these substances should be shut and action taken against them during the celebration, just as Singapore had done," he added.

"Please cooperate and make this Thaipusam peaceful for all devotees, without alcohol and smoking."

Two million visitors are expected to join the three-day celebration, which kicks off with a chariot procession on Feb 7.

When met on Jalan Macalister yesterday, Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairman P Ramasamy said a new golden chariot, contributed by devotees, will grace the streets this year.

It will be pulled by devotees and not bulls, assured Ramasamy, who is also Penang deputy minister.

Hovering about 6m tall and 5m wide, the RM3 million chariot will carry the Vel along the streets this year.

"The devotees wanted to contribute to the chariot, (so) we made a new one, the other chariot will be stationed at the temple," he said.

Every year, Penang sees two chariots, a silver one owned by the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple in Waterfall Road, which stands taller at 7.3m and carries with it the statue of Lord Muruga. - Mkini