The anti-goods and services tax rally planned for tomorrow faces disgruntlement from business and consumer groups, with police reports having been lodged against the organisers.

The Star reports that the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Retailers Association (J-tarra), the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM), the Young Malaysian Journalists Club and Ikatan Rakyat Insan Muslim Malaysia lodged reports against the anti-GST organisers.

J-tarra president VK Liew said the protest would have a negative effect on retailers along the street and commercial areas.

“Road closures and heavy traffic will discourage people from shopping in these places. From past experience, protesters have the tendency to act dangerously. This will also create a bad image on tourists,” Liew said after lodging his police report.

PPIM officer Mohd Mustaffa Hamzah said the protests would certainly affect the livelihood of small businesses and taxi drivers.

“Provocation by certain parties might lead to confrontation between the authorities and demonstrators,” Mustaffa said.

Young Malaysian Journalist club president Dzulkarnain Taib said the GST matter was heavily politicised and asked why the disgruntled people did not voice their views to the special committee set-up to monitor the implementation of GST.

The rally is expected to begin at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre and end at Dataran Merdeka. The police have warned that the historic square is off limits as it is under renovation.