KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — With Datuk Jamal Md Yunos now denying all links to tomorrow’s rumoured protest at Petaling Street, traders there have decided not to shutter their businesses for the day.
Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association Datuk Ang Say Tee told Malay Mail Online that shoppers have nothing to be afraid of, especially with the police beefing up security in the area.
“Tomorrow, all shops will be opened. The police have called Jamal to record his statement and he won’t do anything tomorrow,” he said when contacted.
“The police also will be beefing up security here tomorrow. They will make sure nothing happens. People don’t need to be afraid,” he added.
Yesterday, Ang told The Star that over half of Petaling Street’s 773 traders were mulling closing tomorrow due to the rumoured protest and Jamal’s warning of a possible rioMembers have been calling and asking if they should close on Saturday. They fear that business will be disrupted. I have advised them to lodge police reports,” he was quoted saying.
Ang also questioned the rationale of the protest, saying that it was not the role of #Merah169 protesters to police traders there for business infractions.
Jamal had earlier this week warned that the authorities’ failure to take action against Petaling Street traders for allegedly selling fake goods will inevitably force “red shirt” protesters to return there this Saturday and possibly “riot”.
In response, police later said the Sungai Besar Umno division chief will be investigated for issuing the warning.
Jamal has since insisted, however, that he is not in any way involved in the so-called protest, even adding earlier today that he would not be in Petaling Street tomorrow but at a Hari Raya Haji celebration with his division.At the time of writing, Jamal is getting his statement recorded at the Ampang Jaya district police headquarters.
During the September 16 #Merah169 rally, protesters tried to breach a police barricade blocking off entry into Petaling Street, in a bid to reach the area known as “Chinatown” that Jamal later claimed was Chinese-dominated and prejudicial against Malays.
The incident forced the police to use water cannons to disperse the crowd that lingered on despite the use of force.
Jamal was later called in to soothe tempers when protesters still refused to leave despite the police action.
MALAY MAIL ONLINE
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