Temple authorities have again levied a RM10 fee on devotees offering ' milk pots ' at Batu Caves during Thaipusam, disregarding previous complaints about the unfairness of the practice.

For the last three years, those carrying milk pots up to the Sri Subramaniam temple have had to pause at the top of the stairs to fork out the fee, before being allowed inside the caves to complete the religious ritual which sees the milk being poured over a statue of the deity.

Yesterday, K Purusotham ( pix, left ), in his 30s, had his protest brushed aside as well. He had vowed to make the offering after recovering a few months ago from 'foot drop', a condition that affects the ankle and toes and which hampers steady movement.

"I did not know about this fee...it is unreasonable to charge people who are fulfilling vows. There does not even seem to be a proper system (in charging the fee)," he said with agreement from his religious journey's aide N Ravichandran, who has difficulties with his sight.

Over the past three years, the temple authorities have come under fire from devotees, interest groups and opposition politicians, but have ignored their views.

Another devotee, who only wanted to be known as Malar, said she and her friend were told to pay a total of RM25 each.

"It's too much to pay. They had separate charges...RM10 to bring in the milk, RM10 for this to be poured and RM5 for the archanai (prayer service)," she said.

There have been allegations - over the past two celebrations - of fraudulent tickets being sold.

She added that she was extremely disappointed that "God's representatives" chose to unscrupulously target Hindu practitioners - especially the poor - for financial gain.

The temple management committee had in the past denied any links with any extra collection, putting the blame squarely on outsiders.

An estimated 1.3 million devotees and visitors were at Batu Caves for this year's festival.