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BREAKING NEWS More than two dozen individuals have been detained by the police near the Kuala Lumpur City Centre ahead of a protest against price hikes organised by the Coalition Against Inflation (Protes).

At about 2.45pm, seven PAS’ party volunteers, including one woman, were picked up outside the KLCC Jalan Ampang entrance and brought to the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters for questioning.

Almost simultaneously, near the Ampang Park LRT station, another five women and three men were also detained in connection with the rally.

Malaysiakini reporter Syed Jamal Zahiid was also picked up. He was detained while questioning a police officer over several arrests near the Ampang Park area.

Malaysiakini office has contacted Dang Wangi OCPD Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman to vouch for the identity of Syed Jamal who then assured that the journalist would be released after giving his statement.

At about 3.30pm, about 200 Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) supporters marching from Ampang Park towards KLCC were locked in a standoff with the police.

Ten minutes later, at least 12 PSM supporters and leaders were arrested after a minor scuffle with the police.

Police have declared the rally today illegal and have obtained a rare court order banning people from attending.

Commenting on the court order, PSM president Dr Nasir Hashim said the police were using the courts to curtail fundamental liberties.

“It’s a very funny court order. People are just walking around and they are being taken away. I think the lawyers should challenge this because we cannot express your grievances in this country,” he said.

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At 2.15pm – Moderate police presence, no sign of protesters

About 100 uniformed police personnel are presently patrolling around the KLCC area in anticipation of a banned rally organised by the Coalition Against Inflation (Protes).

Eye-witnesses reported that the police have also erected a steel barricade near the taxi stand at the Jalan Ampang entrance towards KLCC.

However, the Federal Reserve Unit and their infamous water cannons were not sighted yet..

Police personnel were also stationed near the Ampang Park LRT station where protesters are supposed to gather before marching towards KLCC.

It was business as usual at KLCC. No road closure was also reported.

AT 2.15pm, no sign of any protester was seen. The peaceful assembly was scheduled for 3pm.

Source: malaysiakini.com