KUALA LUMPUR: Civil society groups planning to hold gatherings during the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit are free to do so, but are advised to avoid areas within the designated security perimeter, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
This includes the main convention venue and the hotels housing world leaders attending the summit, he added.
“They may wish to express their views or gather, and we respect that. However, they must cooperate with security personnel and avoid areas within the security radius, especially the convention centre and hotels where leaders are staying,” said Saifuddin during a press conference in Parliament today.
A total of 10,400 specially assigned police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety and smooth running of the summit, which is expected to host up to 23 Heads of Government.
Saifuddin said preparations for the summit have included a series of dry runs, particularly focusing on the designated protocol routes.
“We’ve conducted multiple dry runs, especially involving what we call the protocol routes – with some dignitaries arriving at Subang and others at KLIA. All these routes have been clearly identified,” he said.
He also clarified that traffic management will be carried out in phases, and dismissed the use of the term “lockdown” as inappropriate.
“We’re not using the term ‘lockdown’ as it doesn’t quite reflect the situation. Instead, road closures are being implemented in stages and with proper notification,” he added.
Given the scale of the event and the high-profile nature of the attendees, Saifuddin said security efforts will focus on the Heads of Government. Risk assessments are being conducted based on each leader’s background and current geopolitical contexts.
He further noted that police preparations have reached full operational readiness, with security measures extended to over 20 hotels across the city accommodating foreign delegates.
“Preparations are already at a full operational level. We’re covering more than 20 hotels where foreign leaders and delegations will be staying,” he said.
The Home Minister also urged the public, especially those living or working near the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), to extend their cooperation during the summit period.
“We urge the public to give their full cooperation, particularly around KLCC where the main summit activities will be held,” Saifuddin said.
