KUALA LUMPUR: The main gate of the Istana Negara here is temporarily closed to the public and tourists in conjunction with the installation of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
City Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department chief ACP Zulkefly Yahya said the move was to ensure the safety and smooth entrance of the royal guests and foreign dignitaries.
"The main gate area is closed from morning until 2pm. The closure was made to facilitate the entrance of vehicles carrying the royal entourage.
"A total of 372 officers and traffic policemen are on duty, including those accompanying vehicles of the Malay Rulers and foreign royal dignitaries," he said when met here today.
The main gate is a focal point for tourists and the public, especially during the installation ceremony of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
However, today the area is filled with members of the media and guards who are monitoring the entrance of vehicles to Istana Negara.
The historic moment is broadcast live by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and other television stations.-Bernama