KUALA LUMPUR: More than 100 police reports were lodged over the proposed rally against “illegal” houses of worship on Saturday, say police.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said a total of 131 reports were received, and police intelligence led authorities to decide not to grant permission for the rally to proceed.
“Following security considerations and intelligence assessments, the police did not grant permission for the assembly to be held.
“At about 8pm yesterday, the police detected approximately 100 individuals who had gathered in front of the Sogo Shopping Complex to demand action be taken over alleged encroachment involving the construction of an illegal temple and place of worship built without approval.
“As a result, the police detained 19 individuals believed to be participants of the assembly, comprising 15 men and four women, all local aged between 30 and 64 years,” he said at a press conference at the contingent headquarters here on Sunday (Feb 8).
Two of those detained will be remanded today, including controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth, he added.
He said the decision not to allow the rally to proceed was due to security concerns, including the ongoing official visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuala Lumpur.
“Three men were also arrested in Klang for uploading several TikTok videos. We take action on both sides.
“Any attempt to exploit issues related to race, religion, and royalty (3R) will be investigated, and firm action will be taken against any individual or group that incites disorder or extreme provocation,” he said.
