If you're driving in (or through) Kuala Lumpur around Thaipusam weekend, this is one of those times where planning ahead isn't optional. With major roads being closed in stages to support the chariot procession, even a "normal" short drive can turn into a long detour if you get caught near the route.
To avoid surprises, the easiest move is to check traffic conditions before you leave, not after you're already stuck.
Why the closures are happening
The traffic department of the Royal Malaysia Police has announced these closures to facilitate the Thaipusam chariot procession route between Sri Maha Mariamman Dhevasthanam Temple and Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves. This requires controlled road access and diversions across multiple major corridors.
Two phases: outbound and return processions
Phase 1: Outward procession road closures
From 9:00 PM (30 January) to 4:00 PM (31 January), roads will be closed for the outward procession.
Closed roads include:
Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Jalan Sultan, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Leboh Ampang, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Belia, Jalan Sri Amar, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Kampung Batu, Jalan Kepong Lama, Bulatan Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Kuching, Bulatan Batu Caves, Lebuhraya Lingkaran Tengah 2 (MRR2)
Phase 2: Return procession road closures
From 3:00 PM (2 February) to 4:00 AM (3 February), roads will be closed again for the return procession.
Closed roads include:
MRR2, Bulatan Batu Caves, Jalan Kuching, Susur ke Jalan Ipoh, Bulatan Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Kepong Lama, Jalan Kampung Batu, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Jalan Tun Razak (U-Turn), Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Sri Amar, Jalan Belia, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Leboh Ampang, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Sultan, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
The smartest move: check live traffic before you head out
When closures involve main arteries like Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Kuching, Jalan Ipoh, and MRR2, the real problem usually isn't just the closed roads, it's the spillover effect. Nearby streets get overloaded, alternate routes slow down, and travel times become unpredictable.
That's exactly why checking live traffic CCTV can save you time (and stress). Instead of guessing which route is "probably okay," you can quickly confirm what's moving and what's jammed.
Use my Malaysian Highway CCTV page here to view live traffic CCTV feeds before you travel:
Quick travel tips for Thaipusam weekend
If you're travelling during the closure windows, treat live CCTV as your "real-time map." It's the fastest way to avoid turning a simple drive into a detour marathon.
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