Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised the public to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes to reduce inconvenience and ensure smooth operations in conjunction with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day state visit to Malaysia starting tomorrow.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the Prime Minister also asked public transport operators to ensure the availability of their assets to ensure the comfort of users throughout the visit. He noted that the Prime Minister has acknowledged the inconveniences caused by the closure of several main roads last Saturday for a rehearsal for President Xi’s state visit. The Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department has informed that 17 routes around Klang Valley and Putrajaya will be closed or diverted in stages for security reasons and to facilitate official ceremonies during the state visit.
The announcements were made during the Prime Minister’s Office Daily Briefing, which was streamed live on Anwar Ibrahim and PMO Malaysia’s Facebook pages today. President Xi’s visit is at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and marks the continuation of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, which have been established for over 50 years. President Xi is expected to receive a state welcome at Istana Negara and attend a state banquet with the King before meeting with Anwar at the Seri Perdana Complex for discussions on bilateral cooperation, regional issues, and the exchange of several memorandums of understanding, agreements, and diplomatic notes.
Tunku Nashrul mentioned that the Prime Minister highlighted the challenging regional geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, yet emphasized that the visit was planned to strengthen bilateral relations. He reiterated Malaysia’s position as a trading nation committed to openness and balanced international relations. As Chairman of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia bears the responsibility to support regional inclusivity and peace.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Thailand on Thursday, where he will meet Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and cross-border cooperation. Key topics will include the Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang flood mitigation project and regional issues affecting Malaysia, Thailand, and ASEAN. It is anticipated that the Prime Minister will have a historic meeting with the Chairman of the State Administrative Council of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in Bangkok to discuss humanitarian assistance following a recent earthquake in Myanmar.
Tunku Nashrul added that the Prime Minister will also engage with Thai industry leaders and meet with the informal advisory group to ASEAN Chairman, led by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.