Ipoh:<Text>

The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has conducted safety tests on the Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Bridge and deemed it safe for use during the upcoming Thaipusam celebration this Sunday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Health, Human Resources, and Indian Community Affairs Committee chairman Datuk A. Sivanesan announced that the bridge, which is currently under repair, will be opened temporarily for vehicles involved in the kavadi procession from January 31 to February 2. The approval comes with strict conditions: only vehicles not exceeding three tonnes and carrying kavadi will be permitted to cross the bridge. Any unauthorized use by other public vehicles will result in police action, as stated during a press conference held after the Thaipusam coordination meeting at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building.

Previously, Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah had confirmed that the bridge could be used exclusively for the celebration, provided all specific conditions are met. Meanwhile, Sivanesan also highlighted the expected influx of approximately 500,000 Hindu devotees from across Malaysia, alongside public members and foreign tourists, anticipated to visit the Sri Subramaniar Temple at Gunung Cheroh for the Thaipusam festivities.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran are slated to attend the celebration, which is scheduled to commence at around 10 am.