Expect more roadblocks

(The Star) – PETALING JAYA: There will be increased roadblocks in the days ahead of the July 9 rallies, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Abu Bakar said.

Cautioning Klang Valley residents to be prepared to face traffic congestions, he said the roadblocks at various locations in the city were meant to ensure public security.

“There will definitely be traffic congestion, especially on July 9, due to police roadblocks and the illegal rally itself,” he said.

He said police had received about 2,500 reports protesting against the Bersih 2.0 rally, adding that 152 people had been arrested for inciting others to join the rally.

Speaking to reporters after the launch of the “Reuniting Families – Child Safety” roadshow yesterday, he said the possibility of detaining more people under the Emergency Ordinance had not been ruled out.

On an incident in which 50 people gathered at Bukit Aman police headquarters on Saturday to enquire about the six who had been detained under the ordinance, Khalid said: “Whatever we do, we follow the law in Malaysia.”

In BUTTERWORTH, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar hit out at “irresponsible quarters” for causing confusion between positive rallies and those that were detrimental to society.

“They should refrain from confusing the people by comparing the rally of one million youths in Putrajaya in May with the proposed Bersih 2.0 rally this Saturday, which has been deemed illegal.

“This (Bersih rally) is a different gathering. There are reports of people wanting to fight and even reports of death threats being sent out.

“So, let us not mix up something that is good with something that is not,” he said after opening Penang Police’s Crime Awareness Day.