Roadblocks at major roads ahead of tomorrow's protest

Police have set up roadblocks at major traffic arteries throughout the Klang Valley towards Kuala Lumpur ahead of a mass rally planned for tomorrow in Petaling Jaya.

Malaysiakini

has been inundated with calls from individuals complaining that traffic is at a crawl in several locations because major roads spanning several lanes have been reduced to just one lane.

There has been no reports of motorists being stopped at the roadblocks.

According to one motorist traveling along the Kajang-Cheras Highway, two roadblocks have been set up in the direction of Kuala Lumpur.

One roadblock is before the Mile 9 toll booth while another is near the now-defunct Cheras toll booth. Every roadblock is manned by four police personnel.

As of noon, the two roadblocks have caused a very heavy traffic jam towards Kuala Lumpur.

Another motorist travelling from Kepong along the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) reported similar scenes near the Batu Caves roundabout and in front of the Jalan Kepong police station.

Similarly, along the Sungai Besi Highway to Kuala Lumpur, motorists have reported that there are roadblocks near Taman Desa. There is also a police checkpoint at the Sungai Buloh toll at the North-South Expressway.

A roadblock along Jalan Klang Lama towards Bandar Sunway was reportedly in place since last night.

Intimidation tactic?

Prior to the Bersih and Hindraf rallies in November last year, police had mounted a similar exercise in an apparent effort to deter the public from attending the events.

Repeated attempts to reach both Kuala Lumpur and Selangor police chiefs for comments were futile.

The Coalition Against Inflation (Protes) will hold a mass rally at the Kelana Jaya stadium tomorrow to protest against the sharp hike in fuel prices last month.

Initially, Protes wanted to hold the event at a field opposite Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya but organisers opted for the stadium after police hinted that the military might be roped in to disperse protesters.

Protes coordinator Dr Hatta Ramli ( left ) told Malaysiakini that the unusual amount of roadblocks throughout the Klang Valley appeared to be a form of intimidation.

“We have already assured police that it is going to be a peaceful gathering in a place where we can take care of security. No reason for the police to induce fear in the people.

“We encourage the public not to be cowed by the police actions. They should come freely with their family and should not be intimidated by the presence of the police,” said Hatta.

Rally organisers reportedly have 3,000 volunteers as security personnel.