BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

ROADS leading to Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien will be closed from 6.30am today to make way for His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s birthday parade.

The Royal Brunei Police Force yesterday said the affected roads include Jalan McArthur/Jalan Sultan/Jalan Roberts traffic lights; Jalan Elizabeth 2; Jalan Sumbiling (road that leads to the Bandar Seri Begawan Police Station); Jalan Stoney; Jalan Sultan; Jalan Pemancha; and Jalan Residency.

Traffic police will be present to control the main access roads for guests. These include the intersection to Jalan RIPAS (in front of Hotel Ba’adiah); Supreme Court; Jalan Hj Basir; Jubilee Park; Jalan Bendahara; Jalan Stoney; Jalan Kianggeh; Jalan Elizabeth 2; and Jalan Residency/Jalan McArthur.

The RBPF in a statement said car parks in the area must be temporarily vacated.

These parking areas are those along Jalan Kianggeh/Jalan McArthur and Jalan Sultan; Jalan Stoney/Jalan Haji Basir and Jalan Sekolah; and around Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.

“This is for the convenience of the parade contingents to line up and assemble before they enter the park,” the RBPF said.

Alternative car parks are available, namely from Jalan Kianggeh to Jalan Subok and from Jalan Residency towards the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

However, the police do not recommend parking in these areas for those who wish to depart early because the roads may be packed.

“Parade contingents and the public are advised to carpool or use the buses provided by their respective departments,” the police said.

All buses carrying parade participants must park at the parking lot of Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah car park in Kg Kiarong.

“Teachers who are on duty to supervise students are reminded to be cooperative and be fully responsible for the safe arrival of the students in the designated areas,” the statement read.

RBPF also called on members of the public to comply with the traffic police on duty and to be considerate of other road users.

“The police will not hesitate to take action on those who park their vehicles in non-parking areas while the event takes place,” it added.

The Brunei Times