ISA protest cost KL RM100-200mil: FT Minister

(Bernama) – The Federal Territory Ministry Sunday estimated that losses incurred by businesses as well as damage to property as a result of the illegal demonstration on Saturday were between RM100mil – RM200mil.

Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said, however, his staff will go to the locations Monday to get a more accurate assessment of losses and damage.

"We will try to get all estimates of losses and damages and it will be in the millions. At least, my estimate is between RM100-200mil," he told reporters after officiating the 1Malaysia carnival themed 'Realising the Country's Vision' organised by the the Desa Tasik Residents Association here Sunday.

He said the estimate would also take into consideration that Saturday as a weekend day and people were out shopping and it was close to Hari Raya celebrated by Muslims next month.

Raja Nong Chik said he would also go to the locations to see for himself the situation there. On Saturday, the Abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) Movement's estimated 10,000 supporters had a street demonstration to protest against the ISA at several popular locations like Masjid Jamek, Dataran Merdeka, the National Mosque amd along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman including outside the Sogo shopping complex.

Commenting on the group's action that caused massive congestion in the city, Raja Nong Chik said they were "prodded" by certain quarters to do so.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had already said that the ISA would be reviewed. They should give the government the chance to review…give views.

"They can give views on the PM's blog, even email. If we say we won't review, then they can protest, but we want to review so they should not protest.

“I feel this matter has been politicised. That's all. This gives a bad image of the country to the outside world," he said.