Kuala Lumpur on high alert: major road closures expected for Trump's ASEAN Summit visit

Malaysian motorists in the Klang Valley, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, should brace for significant road closures and traffic diversions from October 26 to October 28, 2025. 

The disruptions are in preparation for the arrival of United States President Donald Trump, who will be attending the 47th ASEAN Summit and a related trade deal signing ceremony.

The high-profile visit will necessitate a large-scale security and traffic management operation, impacting major arteries in and around the city centre. Motorists are strongly advised to plan their journeys, consider public transport, and stay updated on the latest traffic advisories from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

Why the Major Traffic Disruptions?

The 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings will see a large influx of international delegates, heads of state, and security personnel into the heart of Kuala Lumpur. To ensure the safe and smooth movement of these high-profile convoys, rolling and full road closures will be implemented.

President Trump's visit adds another layer of security protocol, which typically involves cordoning off primary routes from the point of arrival—likely the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or the Subang Air Force Base—to the summit venue and accommodation.

Recent high-level events, such as the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and state visits by other world leaders, have seen similar traffic plans activated, providing a blueprint for what to expect.

Likely Venue and Key Affected Areas

While official details are pending, major international summits in Kuala Lumpur are often centred around the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) precinct and the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Both venues are located in high-traffic zones.

Based on precedent and the likely venues, Malaysian motorists should anticipate heavy congestion and closures in the following areas:

• The KLCC "Golden Triangle": This will be the epicentre of the disruptions. Key roads that are almost certain to be affected include:

  • Jalan Ampang

  • Jalan Sultan Ismail

  • Jalan P. Ramlee

  • Jalan Pinang

  • Jalan Binjai

  • Persiaran KLCC

  • Jalan Stonor

  • Jalan Kia Peng

• Routes from Airports (KLIA & Subang): The primary routes connecting the airports to the city centre will face phased closures to facilitate convoy movements. These include:

  • Maju Expressway (MEX)

  • North-South Expressway (PLUS)

  • ELITE Highway

  • KL-Seremban Highway

  • Jalan Duta / Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim

  • Jalan Istana

• Major Connecting Roads: Arterial roads that feed into the city centre are also expected to experience significant delays and diversions. These include Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Damansara, and Jalan Kuching.

Advice for All Malaysian Motorists

1. Avoid Driving into Central KL: If you do not have essential business in the affected areas between October 26 and 28, it is best to avoid driving into the city centre altogether.

2. Utilise Public Transportation: This is the most highly recommended option. The city’s integrated public transport network, including the MRT, LRT, Monorail, and bus services, will be the most efficient way to get around. Key stations like KLCC (LRT), Bukit Bintang (MRT & Monorail), and Ampang Park (LRT/MRT) provide excellent access to the city centre.

3. Work from Home if Possible: Employers in and around the affected zones are encouraged to allow staff to work remotely to help reduce traffic volume.

4. Stay Updated in Real-Time: Before starting your journey, check real-time traffic conditions using navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps. Follow official social media channels of the PDRM and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for the latest updates on road closures and alternative routes.

5. Plan and Use Alternative Routes: If driving is unavoidable, plan your journey well in advance and familiarise yourself with alternative routes that bypass the central business district. Be prepared for longer travel times.

6. Patience is Key: Expect significant delays. Follow all instructions from traffic police on duty, who will be deployed in large numbers to manage the flow of traffic.

The visit by the US President for the ASEAN Summit marks a significant diplomatic and economic event for Malaysia. While the signing of a trade deal is a positive development, it will require cooperation and patience from all Malaysian motorists to navigate the temporary but necessary traffic measures put in place for this international gathering.

Q&A: Donald Trump's Visit to Malaysia for the 47th ASEAN Summit

Q1: Why is Donald Trump coming to Malaysia?

A: Donald Trump is visiting Malaysia for two primary reasons: to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which Malaysia is hosting as the 2025 ASEAN Chair, and to participate in a potential signing ceremony for a new trade deal between the United States and Malaysia.

Q2: When exactly will he be in Kuala Lumpur?

A: He is expected to be in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to October 28, 2025, which are the official dates for the summit.

Q3: Where will the main events and meetings take place?

A: While official venues are confirmed closer to the date, major summits of this scale in Kuala Lumpur are typically held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The surrounding "Golden Triangle" area, including major hotels, will be the epicentre of the event.

Q4: As a motorist in KL, what should I expect?

A: Expect significant and widespread traffic disruptions. There will be a series of phased road closures, rolling closures for convoys, and diversions throughout the three days, particularly in and around the KLCC area and on major highways connecting to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Subang Airport.

Q5: Which specific roads are likely to be closed?

A: Based on standard security protocols for such events, the roads with the highest probability of being affected include:

• Around KLCC: Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Pinang, and Persiaran KLCC.

• Major Arteries: Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Bukit Bintang, and Jalan Imbi.

• Airport Routes: The Maju Expressway (MEX) and the ELITE Highway.

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will release an official and detailed list of closures closer to the event.

Q6: What is the best advice for commuting in KL during the summit?

A: The strongest advice is to avoid driving into the city centre if possible. The most reliable way to travel will be via public transportation, such as the LRT and MRT systems, which provide excellent access to the KLCC area and bypass road traffic entirely. If you work in the affected zones, consider discussing work-from-home options with your employer.

Q7: Why is this visit and the trade deal significant for Malaysia?

A: The visit underscores Malaysia's key diplomatic role as the chair of ASEAN for 2025. It serves to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States, a major global partner. The trade deal is significant as it aims to boost economic cooperation, potentially opening up new markets and investments for Malaysian businesses.

For all motorists, early planning is the key to navigating this challenging period. To get real-time traffic information, the latest news on road closures, and to plan your journey more wisely, be sure to follow Motorist Malaysia. We are committed to helping you navigate the roads more easily, especially during major events like this.

Drive safe and always stay informed with Motorist Malaysia!

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