ASEAN summits to prompt traffic changes, WFH advisories in KL

by SUFEA SALEHUDDIN

MALAYSIA has completed its preparations to host the 46th ASEAN Summit and two related high-level meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on May 26 and 27, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had been briefed on the nation’s readiness to convene three major gatherings, namely the ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Summit, all of which are expected to attract senior leaders from across South-East Asia, the Gulf region and China.

Fahmi said preparations also include traffic coordination and support for areas in the Klang Valley that will be impacted by road closures linked to the movements of foreign delegates.

“To help ease congestion, the Public Services Department (JPA) has issued a directive permitting civil servants to work from home (WFH) on the affected days,” he said at a press conference today.

In addition, the Ministry of Education is working to identify schools located along major travel routes leading to KLCC and the airports. These schools will be allowed to conduct online learning temporarily.

“The GCC will announce the list of affected schools soon,” Fahmi added.

He also encouraged private companies operating in areas near key summit routes to adopt WFH arrangements for their staff during the period.

Traffic disruptions are expected around key points including Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Subang Airport, the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang, Selangor, and hotels designated to accommodate delegates from ASEAN, the GCC and China.

“A comprehensive list of affected routes and accommodation zones will be released shortly,” he said.

Fahmi urged the public to plan accordingly and make early adjustments to minimise inconvenience throughout the summit week.