Ten main roads in Johor Baru city will be closed to all traffic in conjunction with the royal wedding reception of Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Che’ Puan Khaleeda Bustamam at the Istana Besar this Saturday.

Johor Baru Selatan police chief ACP Sulaiman Salleh said this was to ensure smooth running of the wedding proceedings, including the couple’s royal open-top car ride from Istana Bukit Serene to Istana Besar.

The roads to be closed from 5pm till midnight on Saturday are around the Jalan Tun Razak-Pantai Lido juncture, Jalan Tun Razak-Pantai Lido exit, Pantai Expressway-Pantai Lido, Country Garden traffic light juncture, Hotel M-Suites traffic light juncture, Jalan Thompson-Jalan Skudai Pantai Lido.

Jalan Abu Bakar-Jalan Skudai Pantai Lido, Jalan Gertak Merah-Jalan Skudai Pantai Lido, Tun Sri Lanang (Lot1 Building)-Gertak Merah traffic light juncture and Jalan Molek-Jalan Gertak Merah traffic light juncture.

The public can use alternative roads to the city, namely via Jalan Kolam Ayer, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Inner Ring Road/Jalan Mahmoodiah, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Jalan Gertak Merah-U-turn to Inner Ring Road and Jalan Datin Halimah.

“Those heading to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital are advised to use Jalan Mahmoodiah. The Karat Bazaar in Jalan Wong Ah Fook will also be closed on that day,” Sulaiman told a press conference in Johor Baru today.

He said a total 936 policemen and 36 officers would be deployed to undertake various assignments during the proceedings, including as escort riders.

He also advised all guests to come early to avoid traffic congestion.

Prior to this, Johor Royal Council president Abdul Rahim Ramli was reported as saying that large screens would be placed at Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baru for the public to watch the wedding proceedings, including the royal car ride to Istana Besar.

- Bernama