KUALA LUMPUR: Police have erected a series of roadblocks and intensified security in strategic locations around the capital ahead of the planned “Turun Anwar” rally scheduled for tomorrow, which is expected to draw crowds of up to 15,000.
Roadblocks were observed as early as 11pm yesterday, particularly on major highways and key access roads leading into the city centre. The checks were largely concentrated in densely populated urban areas and routes that serve as main arteries into downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Among the identified hotspots were Jalan Gombak, Jalan Kuching, Ampang, Jalan Putra Perdana, Pudu, the Cheras-Kajang Expressway, Jalan Loke Yew, Old Klang Road, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama, Jalan Bangsar, and Kajang.
Police personnel manning the roadblocks appeared to allow most vehicles through, intervening only when suspicions were aroused. Nevertheless, the heightened presence was clearly intended to act as a deterrent and to maintain order in the lead-up to the protest.
A strong police presence was also observed at Dataran Merdeka, where protesters are expected to gather at about 2pm. All access routes into Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad were sealed off with patrol vehicles, forcing traffic headed to Jalan Raja Laut, Masjid Jamek, and surrounding areas to divert.
The police have labelled the roadblocks and city-wide surveillance as precautionary measures in light of the rally’s expected scale.
Speaking on the eve of the rally, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail reminded the public to follow the laws and observe their boundaries throughout the rally. He also reminded everyone to obey the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 to avoid unnecessary incidents.
Several major roads in the city centre are expected to be affected by traffic diversions in conjunction with the ‘Turun Anwar‘ rally, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning.
Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad had said the rally is set to begin simultaneously at five key locations – Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, and Kompleks Sogo – before participants converge at Dataran Merdeka.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim responded to news of the rally with calm, asserting that dissent is a democratic right but should not be used to destabilise governance.
“I have no issue with people protesting, it’s their right and part of the democratic process,” he said, urging police to give full cooperation throughout the gathering.
The rally, reportedly spearheaded by a coalition of civil society groups and opposition-aligned activists, is aimed at pressuring Anwar to step down, citing dissatisfaction over economic performance and cost of living concerns.
Motorists entering the city are advised to plan alternate routes or use public transportation to avoid potential delays.
The NST has reached out to police for comments on the tight security measures and roadblocks.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
