Cops: Six roads around Dataran Merdeka to be closed on Saturday

KUALA LUMPUR: Six main roads around Dataran Merdeka will be closed to facilitate Saturday's anti-Icerd rally, says Comm Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim (pic).

The Kuala Lumpur police chief said the roads affected are Jalan Hishamuddin (before the tunnel), Leboh Pasar, Jalan Tun Perak (from Masjid Jamek LRT station onwards), Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (near Sogo), Jalan Raja Laut (near Summit Hotel) and Bulatan Dato Onn.

"The roads will be closed from 6am onwards on Saturday (Dec 8).

"The rally participants are only allowed to converge at Jalan Raja in front of Dataran Merdeka," he told a press conference on Thursday.

He added that the police are well-prepared for the rally and advised the people to abide by the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

"Use public transportation to avoid traffic congestion. Don't cause provocation and please assemble peacefully," he said.

He also reminded rally goers not to carry weapons or bring children along to the rally.

"Obey all orders from police personnel on duty on that day.

"Sufficient police personnel will be deployed to ensure the rally goes smoothly.

"We will play our part in facilitating the rally but the participants must cooperate and not cause trouble.

"Avoid spreading unfounded news or rumours that can jeopardise public order," said Comm Mazlan.

Aside from the rally, a silat group is also expected to hand over a memorandum protesting the Icerd to Istana Negara between 10am and 12pm on Saturday.

"They will gather at the Federal Territory Mosque and march to Istana Negara to hand over the memorandum.

"We will not close any roads permanently around that area but will facilitate traffic.

"The group also obtained approval to hand over the memorandum," he said.

Asked if the Federal Reserve Unit would be deployed, Comm Mazlan assured the public it would be as a precautionary measure.

"We are hoping for a peaceful rally as it has already been approved by various authorities," he said.

He also advised the public, including tourists, to avoid the rally area on Saturday.

Comm Mazlan urged the public with any inquiries to call the Dang Wangi Police District headquarters at 03-2600 2222 or the Brickfields IPD at 03-2297 9268 or IPK KL at 03-2146 0532 ext 584/585 or the nearest police station.