Mind road closures during Thaipusam

KUALA LUMPUR: Several roads and intersections around the federal capital and Batu Caves will be closed for Thaipusam.

In Kuala Lumpur, a total of 12 road intersections will be closed and traffic will be diverted in stages starting today until Tuesday to facilitate the chariot procession.

Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Asst Comm Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said the closures and diversions will begin at 9pm from the Sri Maha Mariamman Dhevasthanam Temple on Jalan Tun HS Lee heading towards the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves.

The intersections involved include Lebuh Ampang/Jalan Perak, Jalan Tun Perak/Jalan Pudu, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock/Jalan Sultan, Jalan Sultan/Jalan Hang Jebat, Jalan Sultan/Jalan Petaling and Jalan Sultan/Jalan Panggung.

Also affected by the closures and diversions are the intersections of Jalan Sultan/Jalan Tun HS Lee, Jalan Hang Kasturi/Jalan Sultan Mohamed, Jalan Munshi Abdullah/Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Dang Wangi/Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Raja Laut/Jalan Dang Wangi and Jalan Raja Laut/Jalan Sultan Ismail.

“The chariot’s return will begin at 3pm on Feb 2 and is expected to arrive at around 4am on Feb 3,” he said in a statement.

ACP Mohd Zamzuri advised the public to plan their journeys in advance, use suitable alternative routes and extend full cooperation to traffic police personnel on duty.

Detours may be needed: Comm Shazeli showing the map of the roads that will be closed during Thaipusam at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

“Compliance with instructions is crucial to ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of all parties,” he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar said seven roads around Batu Caves will be closed in stages.

Among the affected stretches are Kampung Melayu Batu Caves traffic light, the Batu Caves bypass slip road into the main entrance and Jalan Perusahaan heading towards the temple.

“The roads will be closed from Friday until Feb 3. A total of 166 officers and 1,354 rank and file personnel will be deployed to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow around Batu Caves,” he said.

Comm Shazeli said the area has been designated a no-fly zone for drones without permission.