Fear of the recurrence of Sept 16 clashes has prompted Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Ang Say Tee to advise Petaling Street hawkers to take off tomorrow.

“We advise that should the hawkers feel unsafe, they can take a rest.

“Even if someone wants to continue with the business, make sure to take care of your own safety. If any untoward incidents happen, please close,” he told Malaysiakini .

Ang ( photo ) however added that his advice is not compulsory for the association members to follow.

Red shirt rally spokesperson Jamal Md Yunos warned on Wednesday of possible riot this Saturday if the authorities failed to act on traders who sell counterfeit goods.

However, the Sungai Besar Umno division chief has disowned his role in the protest.

"I want to reiterate that I am not involved in the planned rally.

"I was merely voicing out my worry and anger on a possible riot if the protest were to take place," Jamal had said in a statement today.

Ask for police presence

Meanwhile, Ang said the association had contacted Kuala Lumpur police chief Tajudin Md Isa to ask for police presence at Petaling Street tomorrow.

Kuala Lumpur police, he added, has promised to send personnel to prevent any possible riot.

“Of course, I have spoken with KL police chief. He promised to send Federal Reserve Unit and others to maintain order.”

Ang said the association has led the Petaling Street traders to make police reports.

“Jamal ( photo ) is threatening us. We hope police would arrest him so we can continue with our business.

“He is a rude person and does not recognise himself as the organiser. Furthermore, he warned of possible riot which makes the hawkers felt unsafe,” he said.

Jamal had made criminal intimidation in the run-up to the red shirt rally on Sept 16 that non-Muslims may be targeted and personally led a crowd of red shirts trying to storm into Petaling Street.

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