KUALA LUMPUR: More Hindus will be visiting temples throughout the country now that Thaipusam is a public holiday in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Malaysian Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said the Hindus here are definitely happy as the organisation had been appealing for over 20 years for Thaipusam to be declared a holiday for the Federal Territory.

He urged Kedah and Malacca to consider similar appeals for Thaipusam to be declared a holiday there as both states have a considerable number of Hindus.

A Hindu NGO, Mamandram, also welcomed the good news.

Mamandram president Prof N.S. Rajendran said the declaration is timely and apt.

Source: New Straits Times - January 21, 2008