Traders at Petaling Street have lost between 30 to 40 percent of their business to date since the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu red shirt rally last week, said Gerakan public service and complaints bureau chief Wilson Lau.

“From this, we can see that this kind of statements or actions can worry the traders, and members of the public would not dare to come,” he told reporters at a press conference at the popular tourist spot today.

He said he received the data from the committee members of the Kuala Lumpur Hakwers’ and Petty Traders’ Association.

Lau ( right ) also lauded the news of red shirts frontman Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos' arrest last night and a riot planned at Petaling Street today has been aborted.

However, he said while the news has brought relief, he also noted that the damage has already been done.

“The cancellation helps, but such so-called rallies do not bring us unity, but ruin. Especially economic ruin.

“Secondly, it also causes racial tension,” he said.

Earlier this morning, Lau and several Gerakan members held a walkabout around Petaling Street, which he said is meant to show support for the traders.

Pakatan Harapan leaders were also at the popular shopping district for a walkabout to spread their message of unity.

Chinatown 'multiracial'

The area saw violence during the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally on Sept 16, when a splinter group of protestors attempted to storm the area but was stopped by the police.

Meanwhile at a nearby biscuit shop, fourth generation trader Melvin Chan said the Sept 16 rally has brought fear to the traders.

Despite the street’s moniker ‘Chinatown’, he said most of the traders and workers here are multiracial and want little more than to make a living.

"Yes, we are afraid because we are just normal people, earning our money. Most of us have to take care of parents and grandparents. Everyone started their life in Petaling Street.

"Before the red rally, it was very peaceful. We had to stop our business on September 16 to avoid bad things," he said.

His family has operated the Fung Wong Biscuit business for 106 years, and Chan said most of the businesses here are very politically neutral as they need a peaceful atmosphere to prosper.

Bersih compared was 'carnival'

Tensions have been building up over the week over threats of a red shirt rally in the tourist area in the heart of Kuala Lumpur today.

However the plans were apparently aborted last night following the arrest of red shirts frontman Jamal Md Yunus late in the evening.

Since today's rally has reportedly been cancelled, Chan looks forward to a peaceful day ahead.

"Today seems very peaceful. Some traders have not opened their business yet as they are on holiday for the Aidiladha holiday mood," he said.

Chan also compared the red shirts to Bersih 4 rally, the latter which he said was like a carnival.

"At a peaceful rally, all shops are willing to open. It is like a gathering, like a big festival.

"Everyone came together and cooperated with one another," he said smiling.

Gerakan veep's school continues classes

As for Gerakan vice president Asharuddin Ahmad, who runs a small college on Petaling Street, he said classes are being run as usual.

“I have already written a letter to all the parents that there will be classes today in the morning and the evening, and they should come as usual.

“We will be fully responsible if there are any security issues, but I have already discussed with the police at Dang Wangi yesterday and they said security will be ensured.

"No one will be disturbing the peace here," he said.

“I myself have promised to my students that nothing will happen in Jalan Petaling” he said, adding he has been working there for over 20 years.

Asharuddin is the CEO of Kolej Bandar. He said of its 1,200 students, 300 are supposed to be attending classes today.

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