Kuala Lumpur, Dec. 9 : The North Western Malaysian state of Kedah has been approached to declare a holiday on the occasion of the Tamil festival of Thaipusam.

The chief Parti Keadilan Rakyat Lunas unit in Kedah, S. Neelamegan, described Thaipusam as an important festival for the Indian community, adding that it was the responsibility of the state government, now led by PAS, to consider the request made via a memorandum.

Kulim Municipal councillor N. Letchumanan said Thaipusam should be made a national holiday.

Presently, Thaipusam is a state holiday in Penang, Perak, Selangor, Malacca and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. (ANI)