As most of us know, tomorrow (January 31) is a public holiday for the majority of Malaysians in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival, which is celebrated by Hindus nationwide.
During this period, Batu Caves will be thronged with devotees, so traffic congestion is to be expected!
Because of the festivities, several major roads in Kuala Lumpur leading to Batu Caves will be closed to enable the silver chariot procession to pass through, MMO reported. If you are planning on driving into KL during the holidays, then take note so you don’t get stuck!
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief ACP Zulkefly Yahya said that the silver chariot will make its way to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
Along the way, they will proceed on Jalan Tun Razak, make a U-turn in front of the fire and rescue station and go along Jalan Ipoh (Jalan Salleh), Jalan Perhentian, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Ipoh Batu 5 and to the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves.
On Thursday (Feb 1) the procession will begin at around 4pm from the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves and go back to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Tun H.S. Le via Jalan Ipoh Batu 5, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Perhentian, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Ipoh.
They are expected to reach the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple using Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Ampang, Lebuh Ampang, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Sultan, Jalan Hang Kasturi, and Jalan Hang Lekir on the morning of February 2 (Friday).
Here are the roads that will be closed in stages from January 30 to February 2:
- Jalan Sultan
- Jalan Pudu
- Jalan Tun Perak
- Lebuh Ampang
- Jalan Ampang
- Jalan Munshi Abdullah
- Jalan Dang Wangi
- Jalan Raja Laut
- Jalan Sri Amar
- Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
- Jalan Tun Razak
- Jalan Ipoh (Jalan Salleh)
- Jalan Perhentian
- Jalan Ipoh Batu 5
- Jalan Hang Kasturi
- Jalan Hang Lekir
- Kampung Melayu Batu Caves traffic light (Al-Amaniah)
- Batu Caves exit from MRR2
- Jalan Perusahaan to the Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple
- Sri Gombak MRR2 exit heading towards Jalan Perusahaan
- Third junction along Jalan SBC8 and Jalan Batu Caves Lama
The roads will be reopened in stages, depending on the procession, so it is advisable for people to use public transport instead during this period.
Happy Thaipusam and enjoy the holidays, everyone!
Also read: These Roads Around the Klang Valley Will Be Closed Until 2018 Due to MRT Works