Kuala Lumpur folks, brace yourselves. From May 23 to 28, the city is rolling out the red carpet for the 46th ASEAN Summit, and that means serious traffic disruptions across the Klang Valley. With leaders from Southeast Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China making their way here, authorities are locking down parts of the city—literally.
What’s Happening?
This isn’t just another VIP visit. The ASEAN Summit is one of the region’s biggest diplomatic events, and Malaysia is playing host. To make way for official motorcades and high-security protocols, 25 roads and six major highways are set to face closures or diversions throughout the summit week.
The list includes:
- North-South Expressway (Sungai Buloh to City Centre)
- MEX Expressway
- KL-Seremban Expressway
- ELITE Expressway (KLIA to Putrajaya)
- Guthrie Expressway
- NKVE (Subang to Jalan Duta)
Within the city, roads around KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Parlimen, and Jalan Kuching are expected to be affected—especially on May 26 and 27.
Expect Rolling Roadblocks
Don’t be surprised if Waze starts screaming at you. Roads will be closed 30 minutes before the official convoys pass, and only reopen once they’re through. Closures are expected to occur between 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, so if you’re commuting during those hours—good luck.
On top of that, a dry run simulation is scheduled for May 21 and 22, so even before the summit begins, roadblocks will be tested and enforced.
Who’s Affected?
Nearly everyone. But here are the key groups to take note:
- Students: 71 schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor will switch to online learning from May 26 to 28. So if you’re a parent—plan accordingly.
- Commuters and delivery riders: Heavy traffic is expected, especially near KLCC, hotels, and Istana Negara.
- Air travelers: If you’re flying via KLIA Terminal 2, AirAsia recommends using the KLIA Express or KLIA Transit instead of driving.
How to Survive the Week
Let’s be real—complaining won’t get you to work on time. Here’s what might help:
- Leave early and give yourself extra time.
- Avoid peak hours: 6:30–7:30 AM and 4:30–7:30 PM are expected to be the worst.
- Use public transport where possible. It might save you hours.
- Stay updated: Follow police and transport authorities for real-time traffic news.
Final Word
Hosting the ASEAN Summit is a big moment for Malaysia, but it also means our city has to flex its hospitality muscles—and that includes clearing the roads. While the week ahead might be frustrating, a bit of planning and patience could go a long way. Or at the very least, save you from losing it in a traffic jam.
Stay safe, KL.