KL urged to standardise marathon routes to ease traffic disruptions

KUALA LUMPUR — City officials have called on organisers of running events in the capital to adopt standardised routes in a bid to reduce the frequency and duration of road closures that disrupt traffic flow. The initiative seeks to streamline the approval and management process for marathons and similar events while maintaining public convenience. By establishing predetermined routes that can be reused for multiple events, authorities hope to better plan for traffic management and minimise inconvenience to commuters and businesses. The proposal reflects growing concerns about the impact of large-scale running events on Kuala Lumpur's already congested road network. Organisers have been advised to work closely with Kuala Lumpur City Hall to select routes that meet both safety standards and operational efficiency. The standardisation effort is expected to make the event approval process faster while allowing authorities to implement more effective traffic control measures. Officials have indicated that organisers choosing standardised routes may benefit from expedited permits and reduced administrative requirements, incentivising cooperation with the initiative.