Groups up in arms over planned rallies

KUALA LUMPUR: Fearing damage to their property and businesses, representatives from the Kuala Lumpur Hawkers’ and Petty Traders’ Association and Jalan Angsoka Community Watch have lodged a police report at the Sentul police station, seeking protection in anticipation of tomorrow’s street rallies.

In their reports, the groups claimed that the rallies, organised by Bersih and the Red Shirts, would disrupt business in the Bukit Bintang area and cause fear among tourists.

Association chairman Datuk Ang Say Tee said the traders hoped to make a living tomorrow, but would adhere to the authorities’ advice to shut down business for one day for security reasons.

Kam Choon Fatt, who represented the Jalan Angsoka Community Watch in Dang Wangi, feared that clashes between the yellow and red shirts would inconvenience the residents in the neighbourhood.

Kam, who owns a restaurant, said he would not open tomorrow as it was pointless to stay open when the roads would be closed.

“The offices around the area will also be closed and no one can enter the area,” he said.

Jimmy Chan, who owns a watch shop in Petaling Street, also hoped that authorities would deploy more manpower to keep things under control.

“Because they are demonstrating on the same day, anything is possible,” he added.

Four traders’ associations filed an affidavit against both yellow and red shirts, but it was thrown out by the High Court here yesterday.

“We fear that when the yellow and red shirts meet, a huge fight will break out, and this will make us lose customers,” said a member of one of the associations, who declined to be identified.

Malay Traders and Entrepreneurs Association of Malaysia (Perdasama) deputy president Datuk Seri Matshah Safuan said shops would most likely be closed as traders would not want to take risks.

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) advisor Datuk Jawahar Ali Bin Taib Khan said businesses near Little India and Jalan Raja Laut would have a big revenue loss.