The Motorist Guide to staying calm and getting around during Trump's visit for the 47th ASEAN Summit.
A high-profile visit, such as the one by U.S. President Donald Trump for the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, means significant security measures are in place. For residents and commuters, this primarily translates to one thing: road closures and traffic disruptions.
The news of major arteries being closed from October 26-28 in and around the KL city centre can cause instant stress. But don't panic. These closures are temporary, staggered, and manageable with a little planning.
Here’s a breakdown of how to navigate the next few days without the headache, and what to do if you absolutely must travel through the affected areas.
How to Not Panic: The 3-Step Plan
Knowledge is power. Understanding the "what" and "why" is the first step to staying calm.
Understand the Closures: This is not a 24/7 city-wide lockdown. Authorities have confirmed these will be rolling or phased closures. This means roads will be temporarily closed to allow a convoy to pass and will reopen once it's through. The primary affected zones will be the KLCC "Golden Triangle" and key routes from KLIA and Subang Airport (like the MEX and ELITE highways).
Know Your (Best) Option: The single best piece of advice from all official sources is to avoid driving into the city centre if possible. This is the perfect weekend to explore your local neighborhood, work from home, or reschedule non-essential appointments.
Embrace Public Transport: This is your golden ticket. Services like the LRT, MRT, and Monorail will operate as normal. They are your most reliable, cheapest, and fastest way to bypass all traffic disruptions and get to central locations like KLCC or Bukit Bintang.
What to Do If You Really Need the Roads
Sometimes, travel is unavoidable. If you are an essential worker, live inside the affected zones, or have an emergency, here is your essential travel plan.
1. For Essential Workers (Healthcare, Media, Official Duty)
If your job requires you to be in the area, you will be given priority, but not absolute access.
Have Passes Ready: Ensure you have your official work pass or letter clearly visible.
Obey All Instructions: You will be allowed passage at checkpoints, but you must still stop and wait if a convoy is approaching. Security for the summit takes precedence.
Add Massive Buffer Time: Your normal 30-minute commute could easily take 90 minutes or more. Leave much earlier than you think you need to.
2. If You Live in the Closure Zone
Getting in and out of your home will be the biggest challenge.
Carry Proof of Residence: Keep your IC (that shows your address) or a recent utility bill with you at all times. You will need to show this at police checkpoints to gain access to your street.
Plan Trips Strategically: Try to run errands or leave for work well before or after peak convoy movement times (early morning/late night).
Be Patient and Polite: The police on duty are following strict orders. A calm and cooperative attitude will make the process smoother.
3. For Everyone Else Driving
If you must drive, you need to become a master planner.
Use Real-Time Navigation: This is non-negotiable. Motorist traffic camera will be updated with live traffic data and closures. Trust them to find the best alternative route, even if it seems long.
Stay Updated: Follow the official PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) social media channels for the very latest announcements on which roads are closed and when.
Reschedule If Possible: We can't stress this enough. If that meeting or appointment can be moved to next week, do it.
Consider E-Hailing: Services like Grab will be available, but expect heavy surge pricing and restricted pick-up/drop-off points. Your driver will be facing the same traffic as you.
By planning, staying informed, and—most importantly—using public transport where possible, you can get through the next few days with minimal disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When exactly are these road closures happening?
A: The main road closures and traffic disruptions are expected from Sunday, October 26, to Tuesday, October 28, 2025, coinciding with the ASEAN Summit and President Trump's visit.
Q: Will the roads be closed for 24 hours straight?
A: No. Authorities have clarified that these are primarily rolling or phased closures. This means roads will be temporarily shut down to allow security convoys to pass and will be reopened immediately after. However, you should still expect significant and unpredictable delays.
Q: What are the main areas that will be affected?
A: The two main affected zones are:
The KLCC "Golden Triangle": Roads like Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan P. Ramlee, and Persiaran KLCC.
Airport Routes: Major highways connecting KLIA and Subang Airport to the city, such as the Maju Expressway (MEX), ELITE Highway, and the KL-Seremban Highway.
Q: What is the absolute best way to travel to the city centre?
A: Use public transport. The LRT, MRT, and Monorail services will operate as normal and are the most reliable way to bypass all road traffic. Key stations like KLCC, Ampang Park, and Bukit Bintang will remain accessible.
Read More: Kuala Lumpur on high alert: major road closures expected for Trump's ASEAN Summit visit
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