KOTA KINABALU: Police obtained a court order to bar the May Day gathering of over 52 civil societies at Padang Merdeka here to highlight grouses ranging from illegal immigrant to land rights.
City police chief Assist Comm M. Chandra said the court order would be served to the event organiser and 15 other identified people who would be taking part in the rally.
The court order, from April 27 to May 3, was obtained for fear that the gathering would cause public disturbance and jeopardize the safety of the community.
“The May 1 gathering is illegal because City Hall did not approve the use of Padang Merdeka for it,” he said.
He said the organiser had given the authorities, including the police a ‘follow up’ notice after City Hall declined them the use of the field. The organiser had said the rally would go on without the approval.
“We advise everyone planning to attend this gathering not to disobey the court order or face charges under the Penal Code for disobeying an order by a public servant," ACP Chandra said.
Apart from Padang Merdeka, the court order also prohibits any form of gathering at four other areas in the city namely Taman Chong Tien Vun, city park, Segama waterfront, and Dataran Badaraya.
Copies of the court order will be put up in the five areas for public notice.
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