Kota Kinabalu: Members of the public are advised to use alternative routes and comply with instructions from enforcement officers following the closure of several main roads in the city in conjunction with the 2026 National Day and Sabah Day (HKHS) celebrations.
Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief ACP Shahrudin Mat Husain said the closures are aimed at ensuring visitor safety and smooth traffic flow for the HKHS 2026 celebrations at Dataran Bandaraya, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, on Aug 31.
“Among the roads closed throughout the HKHS celebration period are the route from the Sutera Harbour slip road towards the Jalan Mentari entry slip road (to Imago) which will be reduced to one lane, Jalan Mentari, the Millennium Roundabout to Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens and the Skybridge traffic lights.
“In addition, the route from the traffic lights 20 towards the salute stand, the entry slip road from Api-Api Centre to the Skybridge traffic lights and the exit slip road from the Api-Api lane to the Skybridge traffic lights will also be closed.
Roads subjected to periodic closures are the Jalan Centre Point slip road towards Api-Api Centre, the middle lane of Api-Api Centre and the route to the MAA building at Api-Api Centre.
“Road closures during the National Day rehearsals run from Aug 27 to 29, between 5am and 12pm, and on the actual event day on Aug 31 from 5am to 12pm.
“Road closures for the Sabah Day rehearsals run from Aug 26 to 29, between 7pm and 11pm, and during the actual event on Aug 31 from 1pm to 11pm,” he said.
Shahrudin said to ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the HKHS celebration, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has drawn up a strategic traffic control plan, including temporary route closures and the deployment of personnel to critical locations.
He said these measures are intended to facilitate the movement of public vehicles entering and exiting the city centre.
“A total of 405 officers and personnel will be deployed throughout the rehearsals and the main HKHS events to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
“Security controls will also be a key focus, safeguarding both VIPs and members of the public attending the event,” he said.
Shahrudin hoped the public would plan their journeys well and obtain accurate updates from PDRM, City Hall (DBKK) and the Public Works Department (JKR) regarding traffic congestion status.
He also encouraged the public to arrive early at the celebration venue and consider alternatives such as carpooling or taking public transport such as buses.
