SEVERAL roads near the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam will be closed from July 25 to 26 to facilitate the annual Feast of St Anne.
Central Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Nik Aminuddin Raja Abdullah said the road closures and traffic diversions will be in effect from 9am on Saturday (July 25) to 2pm on Sunday (July 26).
"St Anne's Feast 2026 is being held at the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam from July 17 to 26 this year.
"In conjunction with the celebration we will implement road closures and traffic diversions along several main roads on July 25 and 26 to facilitate the candlelight procession.
"We will ensuring smooth traffic flow and public safety throughout the event," he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 21).
He said the affected stretch includes Jalan Kulim, from the Caltex petrol station to the Taman Bukit Indah traffic lights.
"Motorists from Kulim heading to Bukit Mertajam can detour via Jalan Rozhan or Jalan Sepakat, continuing to Jalan Muhibbah, Jalan Kampung Baru and exiting through Taman B.
"Those travelling from Bukit Mertajam to Kulim may use Jalan Kampung Baru towards Jalan Berjaya, then onto Jalan Song Ban Kheng, Jalan Kampung Baru, heading towards Alma and Bukit Minyak.
"Alternatively, Jalan Kampung Batu through Taman B and continue on to Bukit Indah which can be used to reconnect to Jalan Kulim as well," he said.
ACP Nik Aminuddin said a candlelight procession from 7pm to 11pm on Saturday will see rolling closures along Jalan Kampung Baru and Jalan Berjaya.
"Motorists travelling through the area during the affected period are advised to use the designated alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion.
"Those who plan to travel through the affected areas are advised to plan their journeys in advance and use the designated alternative routes.
"Motorists are urged to comply with the instructions given by police officers and traffic personnel on duty throughout the road closure and diversion period," he said.
He said police urged all road users to cooperate with police, be considerate and observe traffic regulations to ensure public safety, maintain public order, and facilitate smooth traffic flow throughout the celebration.
"All roads affected will be reopened and resume normal operations by 2pm on Sunday," he said.
The feast, observed annually on July 26, attracts pilgrims from across the country and abroad.
The church was elevated to Minor Basilica status in 2019, highlighting its global Catholic significance.
