GOMBAK, Feb 11 — All celebrations, including Thaipusam, will be observed without disruption in Selangor to allow devotees to fulfil their religious responsibilities and beliefs.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said that each year, the state government allocates a budget for organising festive events and supporting the management and development of non-Islamic places of worship including temples, shrines, and churches.
“(Celebrating festivals) does not diminish one’s faith, nor does it prevent us from believing in our respective religions. Rather, it is done so that we can live peacefully and gather in harmony.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari delivers his speech during the state-level Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves, Gombak, on February 10, 2025. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“Hence, year after year, the state government not only provides adequate allocations for the status of Islam but also offers support and attention to places of worship such as temples, shrines, and churches, ensuring they have appropriate locations and guarantees of no interference.
“If there is a need to relocate a place of worship, it will be conducted in an orderly manner through discussions, ensuring that all parties can worship and practise their faith,” he said.
Speaking during the state-level Thaipusam celebration at the Sri Subramaniyar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves yesterday night, Amirudin added that religious differences should be embraced as they help maintain a peaceful and harmonious environment, fostering mutual respect, and contributing to the nation’s development.
On Friday (February 7), the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj expressed disagreement with the proposal to establish guidelines regarding Muslims attending religious celebrations of other faiths.
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Hindu devotees carry paal kodam (milk pots) on their heads or bear kavadis during the procession to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple on the eve of the Thaipusam festival, at Batu Caves, Gombak, on February 10, 2025. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
His Royal Highness opined that the proposal was made at an inappropriate time when the people were actively strengthening goodwill for the sake of national unity.
Previously, it was reported that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia was finalising guidelines concerning Muslim participation in non-Islamic religious festivals and funeral ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the celebration at the temple compound in Batu Caves was lively, with tens of thousands of Hindu devotees taking part in the festivities.
Officiated by the Menteri Besar, the event, which began yesterday evening, also attracted international tourists eager to witness this thanksgiving festival, where devotees fulfil vows or seek atonement for past wrongdoings.
Despite some having to walk more than two kilometres due to congestion, most attendees — dressed in colourful attire — remained joyous as they immersed themselves in their cultural traditions.
During the event, Amirudin presented a RM561,000 contribution from the Special Committee for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (Limas) to 61 temples in Gombak, Hulu Selangor, and Kuala Selangor.
On Friday, both he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Amirudin visited the temple and announced an allocation for upgrading the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Multipurpose Hall in Batu Caves.
Anwar said the state government will facilitate the approval process for construction and resolve land and administrative technicalities for development purposes.
He also thanked the 1,500 police officers and personnel from the Selangor police contingent, who have been stationed around Batu Caves to maintain order during today's Thaipusam celebrations.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari (front row, centre) with the RM561,000 mock cheque for the Special Committee for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism's first phase aid for this year, during the state-level Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves, Gombak, on February 10, 2025. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
