Penang: The Penang Hindu Endowments Board has announced that the gold chariot procession in conjunction with Thaipusam will take precedence, followed by the silver chariot procession, in adherence to traditional practices, contrary to claims of any changes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the board's chairman RSN Rayer confirmed this arrangement, emphasizing that the gold chariot has traditionally commenced before the silver chariot. This sequence was previously coordinated with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for the upcoming Thaipusam celebration.

"The police have approved the gold chariot to set off from the temple at Queen Street at 6 am. However, preparations are underway to begin around 5.30 am to ensure all prayers and rituals are performed appropriately," Rayer stated at a media conference. He addressed speculations suggesting the silver chariot would lead the procession.

The Penang Hindu Endowments Board oversees the gold chariot, while the silver chariot is managed by the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple. Rayer, who is also the Jelutong MP, explained that a consensus was reached with stall operators to cease music at 11 pm on Sunday, excluding religious music from the temple's central sound system, which will gradually reduce in volume until midnight.

Safety measures, such as maintaining an emergency route for ambulances and effective crowd management, were considered in this decision. Rayer also announced the availability of the Pantau 3.0 app for live tracking of the gold chariot procession, offering real-time updates and geospatial tracking for devotees and the public.

"Pantau, part of the Penang Digitalisation Initiative, debuted during the 2024 Thaipusam, initially drawing over 17,000 users. It has since expanded, with 37,000 users last year, including features like road closure details and festival updates," Rayer added.