Gather peacefully, avoid provocation, KL top cop tells ‘Turun Anwar' rallygoers
KUALA LUMPUR : Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Usuf Jan Mohamad has urged those planning to join next week's 'Turun Anwar' rally in the capital to remain peaceful and avoid any form of provocation.
'My advice is to gather peacefully, watch your behaviour, and avoid any provocation or actions that could lead to undesirable situations.
'If possible, do not burn anything,' he said in a press conference today.
The protest, to be held by Perikatan Nasional on July 26, is being billed as a mass rally to push for the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Organisers claim they expect up to 300,000 participants, although a similar protest in Shah Alam earlier this month drew just over 300.
Usuf said police were aware of plans for the protest to take place around Dataran Merdeka.
'We have done our preparations in the area where they plan to gather – from Sogo to Dataran Merdeka,' he said.
Usuf said police had also identified four locations – Sogo, Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and Pasar Seni – where participants are expected to gather before converging at the iconic square.
'We expect about 10,000 to 15,000 people for now,' he said, adding that rallygoers were expected to begin assembling at around 11am before marching to Dataran Merdeka at about 2pm.
Usuf said more than 2,000 officers would be deployed to maintain public order throughout the day.
'Our goal is to facilitate. We want to make sure that things go smoothly and safely,' he said.
When asked if organisers had officially informed the authorities, Usuf confirmed that they had.
'The Dang Wangi police received the notification and we will handle it accordingly,' he said.
Usuf said no road closures were planned at the moment, but might be implemented depending on the circumstances.
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