BATU CAVES: Seven roads around the Batu Caves Temple will be closed from Thursday (Feb 2) night ahead of Thaipusam.
Gombak OCPD Asst Comm Zainal Mohamed Mohamed said the seven roads include the Kampung Melayu Batu Caves traffic light junction, Middle Ring Road 2 turn off to the Batu Caves Temple and the traffic light junction in front of the Shell Batu Caves petrol station.
"We will also close the Jalan SBC 8 / Jalan Lama Batu Caves junction, Middle Ring Road 2 turn off from Sri Gombak headed to the Jalan Perusahaan Batu Caves and Jalan Perusahaan toward the Batu Caves Temple.
"These roads will be closed from 12.01am on Friday (Feb 3) until 12.01am on Feb 8," he told reporters at the Batu Caves Temple police command post on Thursday.
He said any decision to reopen the roads earlier or keep them closed to traffic for a longer period of time would be made if the need arises.
"We will keep the public posted through our official Facebook page (Polis Daerah Gombak).
"Our checks show that the chariot is expected from the temple at Tun HS Lee at around 10pm on Friday and arrive at Batu Caves at around 3pm on Saturday," he said adding that an estimated two million people were expected to come to the Batu Caves between Jan 15 and Feb 15.
He advised members of the public to expect traffic congestion within the Batu Caves area during this period and expect it to also spill over into the nearby areas.
"We also advise the public to use alternative routes and public transport to avoid further traffic congestion.
"Don't park vehicles at illegal spots, make sure your vehicle is locked before leaving it, use additional security locks especially for motorcycles, watch your valuables closely and beware of pick-pockets," he said adding that priority should always be given to the elderly and disabled.
ACP Zainal Mohamed also advised the public to keep a watchful eye on their children and also encouraged those coming to wear face masks.
