SENIOR citizens and persons with disabilities will be provided with special transportation services to the Hilltop Murugan Temple on Jan 4 to ensure their safety and welfare.
The initiative will be organised by the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) in collaboration with Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam Temple.
PHEB deputy chairman Senator Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam said the initiative has been introduced to enable elderly devotees and those with disabilities to perform prayers and fulfil religious vows safely.
“This initiative is meant to ensure that senior citizens and persons with disabilities who wish to offer prayers, fulfil their vows and carry out religious obligations in a safe and orderly manner,” he said in a statement.
Dr Lingeshwaran said the move is particularly important in view of the expected increase in the number of devotees attending Thaipusam 2026.
“With the anticipated large crowds, climbing the steep stairways to the hilltop temple can pose safety risks, especially to the elderly and those with mobility challenges,” he said.
He added that the initiative will also help reduce exposure to infectious diseases such as influenza and other respiratory illnesses that can spread easily in congested conditions.
“The safety and well-being of devotees remain our priority, especially for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities,” he said.
The programme will be held on Jan 4, 2026.
Registration will begin at 3.30pm, followed by transportation to the Hilltop Murugan Temple from 4.30pm onwards.
Religious rituals scheduled include Abhishegam at 5.30pm and Pooja at 6.30pm, with transportation back to the lower area commencing at 7.30pm.
Refreshments will be provided at the lower area near the Pillaiyar Temple.
Dr Lingeshwaran said PHEB remains committed to ensuring that safety and welfare considerations continued to be a key focus in the organisation of Thaipusam celebrations.
For further information, the public may contact Jayaraj Goval at 016-490 6545.