What Expats Should Know About the ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur 🇲🇾

If you live in or around Kuala Lumpur, you’ve probably heard that Malaysia is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit from 26 to 28 October 2025. It’s a major event that will bring leaders from across Southeast Asia and beyond to the city for several days of meetings, media attention and security arrangements.

Road Closures Around KLCC 🚧

For anyone who drives or commutes regularly, this week will be quite a challenge. Many roads in the city centre will be closed or partially blocked, especially around:

• KLCC area including Jalan Ampang, Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Kia Peng

• Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail

• Jalan Tun Razak

• Hotels such as Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons and EQ

  
  

Closures start from 26 to 28 October, but some diversions began earlier for rehearsals and security checks. You will notice more police and restricted access near the hotels where delegates are staying.

If you rely on Grab, expect higher prices and slower pickups. Using LRT or MRT might save time, though there could be crowd control during peak hours.

What the Summit Is About 🌏

The ASEAN Summit brings together leaders from eleven Southeast Asian countries along with dialogue partners such as Japan, China, South Korea and the United States.

Malaysia last hosted the summit in 2015, so this year feels like a homecoming. The discussions usually cover regional trade, climate, and security, all of which affect how our countries grow and connect.

For expats, this week is not just about traffic and blocked roads. It’s also a glimpse of Malaysia’s role in regional diplomacy and why the country often serves as a bridge between East and West. If you are curious, you can follow updates on ASEAN2025.my or through Bernama and local news outlets.

Tips for the Week 🗓️

• Try not to drive into the city centre between 26 and 28 October

• Do your grocery runs or school pickups earlier in the week

• Take public transport where possible

• Allow extra time for security checks in public areas

  
  

The traffic might be frustrating, but this is also a proud moment for Malaysia. If you happen to be near KLCC, look up and enjoy the rows of ASEAN flags along Jalan Ampang. It’s a reminder that the country is once again at the heart of Southeast Asia’s big conversations. 🇲🇾✨

Source: PLUS Malaysia Berhad, official road closure advisory for ASEAN Summit 2025