JOHOR BARU, Feb 6 — A total of 10 main roads in the city here will be closed in stages, including for cleaning, in conjunction with the 2023 Chingay Parade from this Thursday to Sunday.

The road closures involve the main stretches of Jalan Trus, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Ngee Heng, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Jalan Ulu Molek, Jalan Yahya Awal, Jalan Ayer Molek, Jalan Dato’ Onn, Jalan Susur Ibrahim and Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

Johor Baru South police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said the closure will start with road-cleaning work from the Johor Old Chinese Temple along Jalan Trus from 11am to 1pm on Thursday.

“After that, the main roads will be closed for the event to bring the deities from the temple via Jalan Ngee Heng and Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and will end at Xing Gong Temple on Jalan Ulu Air Molek from 11am to 1pm on Friday.

“In addition, the main routes will be closed to motorists in stages in conjunction with the Chingay Parade’s peak period from 7pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday,” said Raub in a statement today.

Earlier today, he attended a traffic, safety and public order meeting with this year’s Chingay Parade representatives at Wisma Tiong Hua here today.

Raub said the road closures will continue as part of the deities’ return journey from Xing Gong Temple on Jalan Ulu Air Molek, and along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Ngee Heng, before ending at the Johor Old Chinese Temple on Jalan Trus. This will take place from 11am to 1pm.

“The public and motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion. This includes vehicles from Singapore, where those entering the city from the republic can use Jalan Lingkaran Dalam and Jalan Skudai (Lido Beach-Danga Bay stretch).

“Those coming from Skudai can also use the route leading to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) from Jalan Skudai and Jalan Pantai Lido, from Jalan Datin Halimah from Jalan Kolam Air, Jalan Thompson and Jalan Abu Bakar and from Kota Tinggi via the Leburaya EDL, Susur Jalan Abu Bakar and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam,” he said.

Raub reminded the public that they are prohibited by the police from carrying sharp objects or dangerous weapons.

He warned that this includes items or objects that can cause public disorder and a commotion.

“It is also forbidden to create any form of provocation that will cause friction, disagreements and physical altercation that will lead to brawls and fracas,” he said, adding that the public are advised to comply with instructions from the authorities.

Raub warned that the police will not hesitate to act against any behaviour and conduct that goes against the law.

He also reminded the public that letting off firecrackers and operating drones were also prohibited during the Chingay Parade.

This year will see a grand Chingay Parade after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was held last year, but as a closed-door event on a small scale with strict adherence to physical distancing and the donning of face masks.

The 7.8km Chingay Parade is a religious and cultural event organised by the Johor Baru Tionghua Association. It has been held since 1870.

It marks the end of the Lunar New Year and includes a procession of decorated floats. It is also a major event in the calendar of Johor Baru’s Chinese community