KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic along major highways remained smooth this morning, with no significant congestion reported, despite road closures in parts of the city for the Asean Summit dry run scheduled for today and tomorrow.

Police are conducting a large-scale simulation exercise involving traffic control and road closures to mirror actual summit-day operations. The drill includes motorcade movements, route and venue control, and traffic management around key hotels and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa told the New Straits Times that the road from KLCC to Istana Negara was briefly closed around 12.50pm today as part of the dry run but was reopened shortly after.

"The stretch from KLCC to Istana Negara was closed at 12.50pm as part of the simulation, but it has since reopened to the public," he said.

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"The route along Jalan Kia Peng, Jalan Perak, Jalan Sultan Ismail up to Jalan Duta will involve diversions and brief traffic holds," he added.

The Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) confirmed that major highways, including the MEX Highway, which was initially expected to see heavier traffic, remained unaffected.

MHA assistant civil engineer (operations monitoring) Noor Kasmil Nazura Abd Rahim said the situation remained under control, with no reports of abnormal congestion.

"So far, no major congestion has been reported on highways involved, particularly along the MEX Highway," she said.

However, she added that congestion may still arise due to unforeseen incidents or as drivers attempt to avoid potential delays caused by the dry run.

"We'll have to see how things develop tomorrow. If there are no incidents, traffic should continue to flow smoothly. But if there's an accident or sudden closure, it could cause a jam. Some drivers may also take detours in anticipation of delays," she said.

Plus Malaysia Berhad senior general manager Mohd Yusuf Abdul Aziz said the Plus Expressway, New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), and Elite Highway were not part of today's simulation.

He added that the dry run on those highways is scheduled to begin this evening and will continue tomorrow.

"We are working closely with enforcement agencies and will provide regular updates to ensure smooth travel for our users," he said.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys carefully and stay updated via official traffic channels as the dry run continues tomorrow.

Meanwhile, social media monitoring revealed that many commuters took early precautions by leaving home earlier than usual or switching to public transport, contributing to lighter-than-usual traffic during peak hours.

"I start work at 9am, and it has become a hassle to wake up early just to catch the bus so I can avoid road closures," said user @lostwithviolet.

"I decided to leave home as early as 6am, two hours earlier than usual, just to avoid traffic. However, there was no serious congestion," said another user.

A total of five highways and 25 major roads in the Klang Valley will be closed or diverted in stages this week for the 46th Asean Summit.

The affected routes include those connecting Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (LTSAAS) in Subang to the city centre, official accommodation venues, KLCC, and Istana Negara.

The highways involved include the Maju Expressway (MEX), Duta–Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE), Ampang–Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh), Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas), and the Smart Tunnel.

Key roads expected to face diversions include Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Kia Peng, Jalan Pinang, Jalan Conlay, Jalan Stonor, Jalan Perak, Jalan Tun Ismail, Jalan Kuching, Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, Jalan Damansara, Jalan Mahameru, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Parlimen, Jalan Travers, Jalan Bangsar, Jalan Maarof, Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Istana, Jalan Sungai Besi, and Jalan Loke Yew.