Acting Selangor police chief S Sasikala Devi said the temple management expects more visitors when the chariot arrives this evening.

“Since yesterday, Batu Caves had been attracting many visitors.

“The situation at Batu Caves is under control despite the traffic congestion,” she said after checking on the preparations for the Thaipusam festival today.

Sasikala said 1,888 police personnel would be deployed to ensure the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves goes on smoothly.

Visitors have been advised not to park their vehicles by the roadside.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur police chief Azmi Abu Kassim said 682 police officers and personnel had been deployed to facilitate the chariot procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple at Jalan Tun HS Lee to the Subramaniar temple in Batu Caves.

He said following that, several roads in the city were closed and traffic diversions were activated from last night.

Among the affected roads are Jalan Tun HS Lee, Jalan Sultan, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Leboh Ampang, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Sri Amar, Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah.

“Members of the public are advised to plan their journey and use alternative routes to avoid getting stuck in traffic,” he said.

He urged those with information on any criminal activity to contact the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-2115 9999 or any nearest police station.