KUALA LUMPUR: There is a strong police presence here ahead of a protest planned on Saturday (Aug 21).
As of 9am, Dataran Merdeka has been completely cordoned off with a two-metre-tall fence and police have begun diverting traffic along the 88 intersections as announced on Friday (Aug 20).
Plain clothes as well as uniformed policemen are on duty as they enforce a court order prohibiting gatherings and processions within a one-kilometre radius of Sogo Complex and Dataran Merdeka.
Several fire engines and water tankers were also seen along Jalan Parlimen.
On Friday, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates Court issued an order banning any procession or gathering within a one-kilometre radius of Sogo Complex and Masjid Jamek on Saturday (Aug 21).
"We want those planning to hold or take part in gatherings or processions to know that it is prohibited. We urge the community here to comply with standard operating procedures (SOP) under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan," said city police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim.
"We have received information that certain parties are taking the opportunity to hold public assemblies and processions which are currently in violation of the SOP," he said in a statement.
