A celebration to mark the closure of the Jalan Kuching toll plaza in Kuala Lumpur last night turned ugly when a scuffle broke out between Umno and opposition supporters.

DAP publicity chief Ronnie Liu told malaysiakini today that Umno supporters assaulted DAP member Lim Ching How and started the scuffle that lasted about three minutes involving around 20 people.

About 8,000 people, comprising supporters of both the ruling coalition parties and the opposition, were estimated to have turned up at the toll plaza from 11pm to celebrate the seven-year overdue closure.

The celebration began peacefully with the pro-government supporters lighting up the midnight sky with some fireworks while the opposition members carried lanterns.