By P. Chandra Sagaran
The authorities have given some leeway for the upcoming Thaipusam procession which falls on Feb 1 to use the Tun Abdul Razak Bridge which is still under repairs and replacement work.
Discussions with the State Human Resources, Health, Indian Affairs and National Integration Committee. Chairman Datuk. A Sivanesan,Buntong assemblywoman Thulsi Manogaran and representatives from Ipoh City Council enabled the bridge to be opened from January 28 from 5pm to Feb 2 midnight subject to certain conditions.
Thulsi said:”Based on the importance of the festival we came to a solution for the procession to use the bridge without compromising on safety aspects.
“The council had outlined several conditions and approval was given on humanitarian and religious grounds but safety remains top priority. The special approval was given based on trust and consideration for religious observance. “However, the safety of lives cannot be compromised,” she said in a media statement.
Among the conditions are one way traffic, a vehicle load of three tonnes and below and no public vehicles unrelated to the procession would be allowed.
Tents, trading and stalls are barred on the bridge and in the project area. Those taking part in the procession had been reminded to maintain cleanliness.
The bridge is one of the main routes for the procession.
Thulsi also noted the project which was scheduled to be completed on January 6,2026 had been extended to February 6 due to several factors.
Among them site work has to be delayed due to Deepavali celebrations , weather conditions and technical and logistics problems.