KUALA LUMPUR — Several major roads in Bukit Bintang will be temporarily closed on January 1 and 3 to facilitate the “I LITE U” Festival, which marks the curtain-raiser for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Enforcement chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said a full rehearsal will take place on January 1 beginning at 6pm, involving a complete shutdown of Jalan Bukit Bintang from Pavilion Kuala Lumpur to Hotel Federal until activities conclude.
The official launch event on January 3 will be held from 7.30pm to 10pm, during which the same stretch of road will once again be fully closed to traffic. The event comprises an official ceremony inside Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and a vibrant cultural parade along the city’s busiest shopping belt.
Twenty contingents, including seven marching bands, will participate in the parade, which will cover nearly 900 metres towards the Bukit Bintang–Sultan Ismail junction.
VIP and VVIP logistics will be managed through special vehicle stickers, while Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will oversee all traffic arrangements and road closures.
DBKL further announced that Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail will remain closed until 11pm on January 1, and until midnight on January 3. Separately, the area will also experience full closure on New Year’s Eve from 5pm on December 31 until 2am on January 1.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming earlier said Bukit Bintang will transform into a spectacular light showcase during the festival, which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The event is also expected to feature Malaysian Hollywood icon and Oscar winner Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.
Members of the public are advised to plan ahead, expect traffic congestion, and consider using public transport.