KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said seven roads leading to Batu Caves, Selangor will be closed from 10pm this evening until January 27, in light of the upcoming Thaipusam festivities on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Hussein said 1,600 police personnel were deployed throughout the Thaipusam celebrations there to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow around the area.
He said that an estimated two million visitors will flood the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves, throughout the celebration starting tonight until January 27.
“Through Operation Palu 2023, we will also close several routes to ensure traffic flow starting tonight.”
“Among the roads that will be closed are the Bunga Raya Junction leading to Batu Caves, the Station Road Traffic Light (Batu Caves Bypass), and the slip road from Batu Caves Roundabout (MRR2) leading to Batu Caves Temple,” he said.
“Also closed are the slip roads from Gombak (MRR2) heading to Batu Caves Temple, SBC 8 Junction, Perusahaan Road, and the Sei Batu Caves traffic light junction.”
He said the public is advised to use alternative routes and public transportation, especially for those celebrating the festival.
Hussein said that only pedestrian routes will be open around the temple area starting tonight until January 27.
He also said drone operations were also prohibited in the area unless parties had obtained permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). He said legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the rules.
Hussein said apart from parking in designated areas, visitors must ensure that they do not leave their keys inside their vehicles and to keep them locked in order to prevent theft.
He said visitors are also encouraged to wear a face cover when in crowded or narrow spaces.
“Please cooperate with and follow the instructions of the police. Plan your travel in advance, and consider using alternative routes to facilitate a smoother journey,” he said. – January 22, 2024