Those who are planning to join the protest against the toll hike at the Sungai Besi toll plaza tonight will be charged with a fine or arrested by local authorities.
In a report by The Star Online, Serdang OCPD Asst Comm Razimi Ahmad officially announced in a statement that the planned #ShutdownSungaiBesi protest on New Year’s Eve (31st December) is an unlawful assembly.
Razimi said that the event, which is organised by Parti Amanah Negara’s Youth wing, is not authorised by the police and thus, participants may be charged for joining the illegal assembly.
He explained that the protest may cause serious traffic congestion and disturb public order, especially since motorists will be using the toll to participate in some of the New Year’s Eve events taking place in the city centre.
He said:
Thus, the public is advised not to participate in this event because this event is unlawful under Section 9(1) Public Assembly Act 2012 as it was not authorised by the police.
“Whoever participates in this event can be charged under Section 9(5) Public Assembly Act 2012, whereupon conviction may result in a fine of no more than RM10,000,” he added.
The peaceful rally was supposed to take place at the Jalan Duta toll plaza. However, its organiser Shazni Munir Ithnin later announced in a statement that the venue was changed to the Sungai Besi toll plaza after discussion with committee members from non-governmental organisations, motorcycle representatives, medical personnel, and activists. He said the decision was made due to “stern response and feedback from the police”.
The protest is being held to demand the government cancel plans to increase toll rates at selected highways next year. Shazni said that the toll hike would “further compromise the rakyat who are already facing difficulties”.
Sources: The Star Online, The Sun Daily.
