Mass Hindu gathering held before pandemic was announced, says Ramasamy

CORONAVIRUS | Since the World Health Organisation announced Covid-19 as a pandemic, the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) has advised temples and religious gatherings to be suspended or postponed.

However, a Hindu religious event, reportedly involving some 30,000 devotees at a beach in Teluk Bahang this week, has raised a few eyebrows.

Penang deputy chief minister (II) P Ramasamy (photo) who is also PHEB chairperson said the event was held on March 8, and not today or yesterday.

"I was invited to the event but did not attend. It happened on March 8 before the pandemic was announced," Ramasamy told Malaysiakini.

"I believe the number of 30,000 devotees as reported is also exaggerated," added, the deputy chief minister.

Ramasamy said the event organised by the temple in Teluk Bahang was not under the purview of the PHEB.

"All temples under PHEB were issued strict instructions to suspend or postpone their events," he said.

Today, The Star reported that some 30,000 devotees attended the Masi Magam Theppa Thirunal (Floating Chariot Festival) at the 123-year-old Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple.

The report quoted temple committee chairman A Kanapathy saying the festival attracted devotees and visitors from all over the country including neighbouring countries.

“Although fewer people are travelling because of Covid-19, but we are happy with the turnout and the festival was carried out smoothly, ” he was quoted as saying.

Ramasamy said although the advice to ban or postpone mass religious gatherings in temples was issued on March 13, it is up to the institutions to enforce it.

They were also advised to take stringent measures or heighten awareness of the pandemic at their individual temples or places of worship.

"Most of the actions are self-imposed. For example, I have cancelled all my events for this month.

"We hope many others will follow suit and follow closely the advice and guidelines issued by our Health Ministry," he said.

Meanwhile, Penang has displayed large digital posters on Covid-19 in 13 locations across Penang, reported Bernama.

State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh said this is an effort to create awareness about the coronavirus among the public.

Jagdeep oversees the state Housing, Local Government, and Town and Country Planning committee.

Yesterday, it was reported that Malaysia became the country with the highest number of Covid-19 cases in Southeast Asia, with more than 240 cases. - Mkini