The Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) received 63 protesters and two policemen as new patients following the rally around the city today.

HKL Emergency and Trauma Department chief Prof Abu Hassan Ashaari Abdullah said one of the policemen was being treated for head injuries, while the other for a broken tooth.

"Forty of the patients were men and 25 were women. They aged between 15 and 74. Seven of them were warded for breathing difficulties and fatigue, while the others only received out-patient treatments," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

Abu Hassan said the hospital was prepared with 160 staff and facilities to face the aftermath of the rally, including to provide food to the patients.

During the rally, the police thwarted an attempt by the rally participants to trespass into Merdeka Square despite the Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court's order restraining the participants from gathering at the square beginning until May 1.

In Malacca, several members of the Melaka Historical City Council also sustained minor injuries after coming into contact with the participants of a similar rally at Pahlawan Square in Banda Hilir.

Malacca police chief Chuah Ghee Lyle said they were injured while trying to stop the participants from disturbing a marching band competition which was taking place at the square.

- Bernama