BUKIT MERTAJAM: Several roads near the Minor Basilica of St Anne will be closed from 9am Saturday (July 26) to 2pm Sunday (July 27) for the annual St Anne Feast, one of Malaysia’s largest religious celebrations.

Seberang Perai Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Helmi Aris said that over 100,000 visitors are expected, with the closures aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow during the event.

The affected stretch is Jalan Kulim, from the Caltex petrol station to the Taman Bukit Indah traffic lights. Motorists from Kulim heading to Bukit Mertajam can detour via Jalan Rozhan or Jalan Sepakat, continuing to Jalan Muhibbah, Jalan Kampung Baru and exiting through Taman B.

Those travelling from Bukit Mertajam to Kulim may use Jalan Kampung Baru towards Jalan Berjaya, then onto Jalan Song Ban Kheng, Jalan Kampung Baru, heading towards Alma and Bukit Minyak. Alternatively, Jalan Kampung Batu through Taman B can be used to reconnect to Jalan Kulim.

A candlelight procession on Saturday evening (7 pm-11 pm), will also see rolling closures along Jalan Kampung Baru and Jalan Berjaya.

All roads are expected to reopen by 2 pm Sunday. The public is advised to follow traffic police instructions and use alternative routes.

The St Anne Feast, observed annually on July 26, attracts pilgrims from across the country and abroad. The church was elevated to Minor Basilica status in 2019, highlighting its global Catholic significance.- Bernama