2 arrested while 2 policemen were injured in rally, say cops

The Federal Reserve Unit guards the entrance to Petaling Street as 'red shirt' rally-goers try to break through the barricades. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, September 16, 2015.

The situation in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur was under control despite a 'minor' incident earlier today at Petaling Street when the 'red shirt' rally-goers attempted to breach the barricade, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa said.

He said two rally-goers were detained for abetting in an assault while two policemen were injured when the crowd attempted to break through the barricade.

"There was a commotion in the area but police managed to control the situation," Tajuddin said, adding that an estimated 35,000 people took part in the rally.

"As of 8pm, the situation in Kuala Lumpur remains under control and rally-goers are slowly dispersing from the scene. We will continue to monitor the situation in the city to ensure the safety and security of the general public."

Earlier, the situation in Petaling Street, or Chinatown turned chaotic, when the rally-goers tried to break through the barricades.

The Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) was forced to use the water cannon to control the situation.

Police had earlier declared that Petaling Street was out of bounds to the rally-goers.

Before the rally ended this evening about 5.30pm, Ketereh MP Tan Sri Annuar Musa had declared that it was a success, saying that there were at least 250,000 participants.

- TMI