KUALA LUMPUR: Preparations and rehearsals for the installation of Sultan Ibrahim as the nation's 17th King began 10 days ago.
The rehearsals included dry runs for road closures and movements of dignitaries to the Istana Negara.
Federal Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said that a total of 1,250 police personnel are involved in the entire process from July 18.
"It ends with a Royal Tea Reception at Istana Negara on July 27.
"Today alone, a total of 378 personnel will be involved in escorting dignitaries and controlling the traffic," he told reporters outside the Istana Negara.
He said personnel from several contingents were roped in to help ensure that the rehearsals and main event run smoothly.
"We started the preparations and rehearsals on July 10.
"Our goal is to ensure our personnel on duty understand their roles and conduct themselves efficiently," he said, adding that this was the reason personnel from other contingents were called in.
He said it was announced previously that 14 roads heading to and around the Istana Negara would be closed for the event.
"The roads would only be closed when the VIP's and dignitaries enter and exit the Istana Negara grounds.
"The roads will be closed and re-opened in phases," he said, urging the public to be patient and listen to the personnel instructions at the scene.
He said the road closures began at 8am when the dignitaries started their movements to Istana Negara.
The 14 roads affected will be closed in stages between 8am and 8pm for the installation ceremony and royal banquet.
The affected roads are Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Kia Peng, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, Jalan Semantan, Jalan Damansara, Jalan Istana, Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Expressway, Jalan Kuching (south bound), Bulatan Dato Onn and Jalan Parlimen.