Bersih 4: Crowd swells as end of rally approaches

An aerial view of the crowd near Dataran Merdeka.

KUALA LUMPUR : The crowd around the Dataran Merdeka has swelled Sunday night as the end of the Bersih 4 rally approaches.

The crowd was about twice the size compared to the afternoon, as it got closer to the National Day countdown.

The roads, starting from the Central Market down to Dataran Merdeka was all packed to the point where protesters could no longer move.

Some protesters tried to aid and control the situation by holding up placards directing protesters to and from Dataran Merdeka.

Others also made the effort to announce that the roads were blocked and that those who wanted to move forward would need to go around.

Maths teacher Sham, 32, said more people came back in the evening as the countdown was the highlight of the event.

"This is what it is all about, the country, the people and the independence our forefathers fought for," she said.

Artist Ching, 27 said she felt the crowd in the afternoon seemed small, and said many went home to "freshen up".

"A lot of then stayed the night, so they went home around noon to get some rest.

"Now they are all back to celebrate the day we as a nation achieved independence," she said.