The police have said that the flying of drones around the Sri Subramaniam Temple in Batu Caves will be prohibited, due to safety reasons.

Selangor police chief Arjunaidi Mohamed said the ban will last throught the celebration of Thaipusam.

"Maybe there are some individuals who are planning to use drones to get a bird's eye view of the area but we will not allow it.

"We have the necessary equipment to track down anyone who attempts to fly drones within the temple area," The Star quoted Arjunaidi telling reporters after visiting the temple yesterday.

According to him further, even those with permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM)
to fly drones will not be allowed to fly them at the temple during the festival/

Anyone violating the rules could have action taken against them under Section 447 of the Penal Code for committing criminal trespass, he warned.

Arjunaidi also reminded the public to always follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set, such as wearing of face masks, and observing physical distancing, when paying penance to Lord Muruga.

For the record, Hindus in the country will observe yet another low-key Thaipusam celebration this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These include a ban on kavadi bearing, and heavy restrictions on chariot procession rules.

To find out more on this year's Thaipusam SOPs, check out Astro Ulagam's article HERE.

Also, do not miss Astro Ulagam's LIVE broadcast of Thaipusam celebrations from several temples at key locations locally, as well as abroad.


Source: The Star
Photo source: Bernama via The Star