The famous dual chariot procession, bearing the statue of Lord Murugan during Thaipusam in Penang, has been called off this year and devotees are advised to stay home on Jan 28 to prevent mass gatherings due to Covid-19.

Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy said considering the alarming rate of Covid-19 cases in the state, with five districts declared as red zones, Penang’s famous week-long Thaipusam festivities would not take place this year...