Latest news with #DataranMerdeka
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Jalan Raja to close partially for a week for liveability, pedestrian access study as DBKL plans more walkable city centre
KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will carry out a trial partial closure of Jalan Raja from June 9 to 15 to improve public space in the city centre. In a statement, DBKL said the affected stretch is in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, starting from the Jalan Tun Perak junction to the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman intersection. According to the New Straits Times, the initiative aims to make Kuala Lumpur more liveable, organised and pedestrian-friendly. 'The partial closure of Jalan Raja will provide wider and safer spaces for pedestrians, especially families, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities,' DBKL said. Light vehicles from Jalan Raja (inbound) will still be allowed to turn right into Jalan Tun Perak. However, vehicles from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Tun Perak will not be allowed to enter Jalan Raja. DBKL said directional signboards and enforcement personnel will be on-site to assist road users in adapting to the changes. Go-KL and RapidKL Hop On Hop Off bus routes will also undergo temporary changes during this period. 'Passengers are advised to check with their respective service operators for updated route and stop information,' the statement said. DBKL said the plan aims to improve comfort for public space users and help revitalise the Dataran Merdeka area as a hub for arts, culture and social activities. 'At the same time, the improved environment is expected to boost the local economy by offering opportunities for small vendors, creative entrepreneurs, and the urban tourism industry to thrive.' 'By making the city centre less congested and more focused on human interaction, Kuala Lumpur can progress toward becoming a more balanced, inclusive, and identity-rich metropolitan city.' DBKL is conducting a public survey to gather feedback from residents about the trial closure. The survey is available here. 'All feedback received will be reviewed and used as the basis for assessing the effectiveness of this trial and for making decisions on long-term implementation in the future.'
Free Malaysia Today
31-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Biker brawl at Dataran Merdeka catches cops' eyes
Police said they are taking action to verify what transpired among a large group of motorcyclists at Dataran Merdeka on Friday night. PETALING JAYA : Police have launched an investigation into a recent brawl that took place at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said they initiated a probe after coming across a viral video of the incident, which is said to have taken place last night. 'No police report has been lodged yet but we are acting on verifying what transpired in the incident,' he said in a brief statement, without providing further details. The viral video showed a large group of motorcyclists gathering in front of the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad building in Dataran Merdeka before a brawl erupted among some of them. Several men could be seen exchanging blows and throwing motorcycle helmets at each other.
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
No banners touching on 3Rs, political parties, pensioners told
About 10,000 rally-goes are expected to converge on Dataran Merdeka next Saturday to protest the government's failure to adhere to a court order and revise their pensions. PETALING JAYA : Pensioners attending the mammoth rally at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on May 31 have been instructed not to carry banners containing seditious content or references to race, religion, or royalty, collectively known as the 3Rs. In a WhatsApp message to participants, spokesman Rafique Ahmad further reminded them to refrain from expressing messages for or against any political party, whether through banners, slogans or other means. He said the banners should strictly address the revision of pensions as ordered by the Federal Court and call for the government to withdraw its appeal against a subsequent High Court order requiring the revision to be implemented. 'As for the pensioners from the armed forces, our demand is for the pensions to be revised and backdated for all those who retired before 2013, officially classify all ex-servicemen as veterans, and for the special monthly RM500 aid for non-pensioned veterans to be given without conditions,' he said. Rafique also told them not to carry banners bearing caricatures of politicians or government leaders as this rally was not aimed at provoking anyone or any political party. He said the organisers will ensure that the rally-goers, expected to number around 10,000 on the day, are disciplined and orderly. Participants have also been advised to bring their own garbage bags to avoid littering the area. 'Keeping the area as clean as possible and not disrupting any business activity is paramount.' About 10,000 pensioners comprising ex-civil servants and army veterans are expected to converge on Dataran Merdeka on May 31 to protest the government's challenge on a High Court order to revise and backdate their pensions. Dang Wangi police previously said they had taken note of their plans and 'did not state any objection', according to Rafique. However, the cops reminded the organisers that they are authorised to take any action they deem fit during the event to ensure the gathering is orderly.
Free Malaysia Today
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
DBKL ticked off for being unreasonable over Dataran Merdeka events
The National Youth Federation of Malaysia accused the city authorities of disrupting a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka last Sunday. PETALING JAYA : A requirement by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for all gatherings at Dataran Merdeka to A requirement by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for all gatherings at Dataran Merdeka to obtain official approval has been described as unreasonable and an example of selective enforcement. A human rights activist, lawyer P Rajsurian, said a recent peaceful book-reading and discussion session which was disrupted by enforcement officers could have qualified as a social activity permitted under the bylaw cited by city hall. He said DBKL's enforcement seemed selective as many other social activities were allowed to go on undisturbed. 'If you go to Dataran Merdeka, especially on weekends, you will see many people engaging in social events like picnicking without being disturbed,' he told FMT. 'Do those who picnic now need to obtain permits as well?' Rajsurian also said the disruption raises serious concerns about how the authorities interpret the constitutional rights on freedom of movement, speech, and assembly. On Tuesday, DBKL said that all events at Dataran Merdeka, regardless of nature, require the mayor's prior approval, citing a city by-law which prohibits speeches, demonstrations, campaigns, or political and social activities without a permit. Events involving public assemblies must also obtain police approval. DBKL's statement came after the National Youth Federation of Malaysia claimed that a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka was disrupted last Saturday. Nalini Elumalai, a senior programme officer with Article 19 Malaysia, said the latest incident showed a continuing intolerance toward freedom of expression. She called for open dialogue on the issue. 'The government should recognise and respect Dataran Merdeka as a legitimate venue for public gatherings and discussions, ensuring it is afforded the same level of access as any other public space in the country,' she said.
Free Malaysia Today
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Activities at Dataran Merdeka need mayor's approval, says DBKL
The National Youth Federation of Malaysia claimed a book-reading and discussion event it organised at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday was proceeding well until they were told to stop by the police and DBKL. (Instagram pic) PETALING JAYA : Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has reminded the public that all events held at Dataran Merdeka, regardless of their nature, must receive prior approval from the mayor. The city authority said by-law 8 of the Local Government (Dataran Merdeka) (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-Laws 1992 explicitly states that no individual may use the historic square for any speech, demonstration, campaign, political or social activity without a permit from the mayor. 'This requirement is not intended to restrict the organisation of beneficial programmes or activities, but rather to ensure all events comply with existing rules, particularly those concerning cleanliness, safety, and public order,' it said in a statement today. DBKL also said that events involving public assemblies must also secure approval from the police under Section 63 of the Local Government Act 1976. The clarification comes after the National Youth Federation of Malaysia alleged that authorities disrupted a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday. The event, called Diskusi dan Buku Jalanan, was reportedly proceeding calmly when the group was approached by about eight to 10 officers – three in DBKL uniform and the rest in plain clothes. According to the group, an officer from the Dang Wangi police station questioned whether they had submitted a notification letter to the police. DBKL also said that early applications would prevent misunderstandings and confusion during routine monitoring on the ground, which was what occurred last Saturday. 'This is especially important as Dataran Merdeka is an iconic tourist destination often used for official and historical events,' it added. Having said that, DBKL said it welcomed youth and community-led events that promoted knowledge, reading and the arts. 'However, organisers are advised to liaise with DBKL to obtain appropriate guidance or approval to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the smooth running of their programmes.'
