Thaipusam 2024: A Guide To Road Closures Around Batu Caves

By Lara Kramer  •  24 Jan 2024 in News

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In preparation for the Batu Caves Thaipusam celebration 2024, seven roads have been closed to allow Hindu devotees and visitors to observe the festivities. The closures began on 22 January at 10 p.m. with the aim to accommodate the anticipated 1.5 to 2 million visitors during the celebration.

Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan highlighted the closure of seven roads under the Gombak police headquarters’ jurisdiction until 27 January.

The affected roads include:

1.  Jalan Bunga Raya intersection leading to Jalan Batu Caves, traffic lights at Jalan Station (Batu Caves Bypass)
2. Batu Caves roundabout exit (MRR2) to Batu Caves temple
3. Gombak exit (MRR2) to Batu Caves temple
4. Jalan SBC 8 and Jalan Lama Batu Caves intersection
5. Jalan Perusahaan to Batu Caves temple
6. The traffic light junction at Sri Batu Caves heading to MRR2
7. To ensure the safety and smooth traffic flow, 1,600 police officers from the state and other areas are deployed as part of Op Palu 2024. For real-time updates, the public can follow alternative routes suggested by the police on Gombak police’s social media.

To facilitate transportation, free rides on Rapid Bus and (KTM) Komuter services to Batu Caves are available from 24 to 25 January. Attendees are encouraged to utilise public transportation and advised to follow alternative routes to prevent traffic congestion.

As a precaution, the Batu Caves area is designated a no-fly zone for drones. Those intending to use drones must obtain prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) as legal action will be taken against violators.

Considering past records, Thaipusam celebrations have been incident-free, with minor issues such as lost belongings. Visitors are urged to take precautions like parking in designated areas, securing vehicles, and wearing face masks in crowded spaces.

Cooperation with police instructions, pre-planning journeys, and utilising alternative routes are emphasised for a smoother experience. Static points for public assistance and incident reporting will be set up by the police, easily visible and complemented by traffic policemen along the roads.

Road closure information is available on electronic billboards from the Batu Caves roundabout to Gombak as well as the official Facebook page of the Gombak district police.

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Cover image via Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash