On the eve of the Bersih 4.0 mass rally, rumours such as police imposing a lock-down on the capital, riot police entering the city and various road closure are going viral on social media.
However, as of 2.30pm, a check by Malaysiakini showed that the main roads were not being blocked yet and traffic was still being allowed through the city. And, of course, there was the normal Friday traffic congestion as well.
At four of the five Bersih rally meeting points namely Brickfields, the National Mosque, Central Market, the Sogo shopping complex, no road blocks were seen in their vicinities nor were there and police personnel at these locations.
However, at the fifth meeting point, Dataran Merdeka, where most heat is expected to be, barricades had been set up to facilitate National Day rehearsals.
At the center of the square, a stage was being set up with personnel busy at work and few military vehicles were seen parked.
A few police motorcycles were parked under a big tree at the corner of the square and about 10 policemen were milling about as tourists snapped pictures unaware of the mammoth rally less than 24 hours from now.
At the centre of Dataran, the rehearsal was being broadcasted through a public address system (PA system) accompanied by some honks from traffic along Jalan Parliament.
Apart from that, Dataran was eerily quiet, in keeping with the calm before the storm.
Red police truck spotted
Stepping out of Dataran, it was noticed that the fountain located between Jalan Parliament and Jalan Raja, was circled with potted plants.
It is unsure if these are for the Merdeka celebrations purpose or to prevent protestors from occupying the spot.
Walking few hundred meters away, where the Masjid Jamek LRT station is, Muslims were seen performing the after which they returned to work.
At Jalan Tun Perak cars, buses were seen plying to route both ways. At one point, a red police truck was seen speeding from Jalan Pudu heading towards Dataran Maybank.
It was not clear whether it is to be used for a crackdown tomorrow, if any.
Kuala Lumpur traffic police had earlier announced that in preparation for Merdeka Day rehearsals, 18 roads in KL downtown will be closed from Aug 25 until 31.
Bersih 4.0 has announced that they will gather at the five rallying points and march towards Dataran Merdeka beginning 2pm tomorrow.
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