Penang: Large crowds, primarily Hindu devotees, have been gathering at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Hilltop) in Jalan Kebun Bunga for the Thaipusam celebration, causing significant congestion in the surrounding areas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, visitors began arriving as early as 6:30 pm, and by 9 pm, the influx of people intensified, resulting in traffic congestion along the two-kilometre route leading to the temple. Penang Police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad stated that the roads leading to the temple were experiencing heavy congestion due to the large number of visitors. However, he assured that the situation was under control, with police managing traffic and crowd movement to restore normalcy.

Northeast District Police chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad reported that the congestion led to one visitor fainting, who was promptly taken to the hospital by an on-standby ambulance. A survey conducted by Bernama revealed that the celebration around the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple grew increasingly crowded from 9 pm, with devotees struggling to move and at times coming to a complete standstill.

Individuals experiencing breathing difficulties were seen seeking shelter, while women, the elderly, and children appeared anxious due to the overwhelming crowd. In response, kavadi processions and decorated vehicles had to be temporarily halted to manage the crowd and prevent any incidents during the celebration. Despite the challenges, the situation remained relatively under control with the help of volunteers at the Thaneer Panthal and police personnel on site.