THE city centre of Kuala Lumpur is expected to face major traffic disruptions from 26 to 28 October as authorities prepare to implement extensive road closures for the ASEAN Summit 2025.
The event, to be hosted at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), will see the arrival of regional leaders and foreign delegates, necessitating strict security measures and restricted access to several key roads and highways.
According to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the closures form part of standard international security protocols and are intended to ensure the safe and efficient movement of summit participants between their accommodations, meeting venues and key facilities.
“Closures are being carried out to facilitate secure travel for heads of state and delegates between their hotels, the main summit venue at the KLCC, and other meeting locations,” said PDRM in a briefing.
The most heavily affected areas will be in the KLCC vicinity, with phased or full closures expected on Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Pinang, Jalan Binjai, Persiaran KLCC, Jalan Tun Razak, and several adjoining arteries. Strategic intersections including Jalan Ampang–Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Perak–Jalan Pinang will also be heavily monitored or restricted.
Surrounding commercial zones such as Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi are likely to experience spillover congestion. Major city routes such as Jalan Kuching, Jalan Istana, and Jalan Damansara are also expected to see intermittent delays due to redirected traffic.
Travel corridors between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the city will also be impacted. Convoys transporting dignitaries will utilise highways including the Maju Expressway (MEX), North-South Expressway (PLUS), ELITE, New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), and the KL–Seremban Highway. Motorists are advised to avoid these routes where possible.
To minimise the impact on daily routines, residents are strongly encouraged to consider alternative arrangements. Public transport operators have confirmed that LRT, MRT and Monorail services will continue as usual and are expected to be the most reliable travel option throughout the summit period.
“The KLCC LRT station will likely remain open, though commuters should expect larger crowds,” said a city transport officer.
The MRT Kajang and Putrajaya Lines provide direct access to Bukit Bintang and Persiaran KLCC stations, offering convenient alternatives to driving into the city. Similarly, the Monorail provides a useful link along Jalan Sultan Ismail and the Bukit Bintang shopping corridor.
As Monday, 28 October is a regular working day, employers are being urged to allow flexible work arrangements where possible. “Proactive employers are likely to adopt work-from-home options to mitigate productivity loss caused by travel delays,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Human Resources.
City residents are also advised to reschedule any non-essential appointments within the affected timeframe and to factor in additional travel time — with up to 90 minutes of delays expected in some areas.
With traffic patterns subject to change, residents are urged to monitor official updates via PDRM’s social media channels and national media outlets. Navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze will provide real-time traffic data and suggest alternative routes.
While the road closures may cause inconvenience, authorities stress their importance in ensuring a safe and successful summit.
By planning ahead, using public transport, and keeping informed, residents and visitors can help minimise disruption and ensure Kuala Lumpur puts its best foot forward on the global stage. - October 16, 2025
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