Police ban rally against ‘illegal’ temples while preacher says it will go on

 

KUALA Lumpur police have blocked a rally against “illegal” houses of worship planned near the SOGO shopping complex, citing public safety concerns.

City police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said security assessments and objections from nearby businesses indicated risks of unrest, especially with festive crowds expected.

Organisers, led by preacher Zamri Vinoth, had insisted on proceeding despite government calls to cancel.

Police warned of strict action against attempts to disrupt peace, stressing public safety remains their top priority.

Earlier today, Zamri posted on his Facebook page saying the rally will proceed in Kuala Lumpur despite government calls to cancel.

Scheduled for Feb 7, the protest coincides with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, raising security concerns. But Zamri said the rally has nothing to do with Modi’s visit.

Authorities and community leaders have urged restraint, while police reports were lodged to block the assembly.

Organised by over 140 NGOs, the rally aims to pressure action against unauthorised temples, a sensitive issue tied to historic land disputes.

In the Facebook post, Zamri urged supporters to attend the protest in front of Sogo Kuala Lumpur.

“Don’t be fooled by their propaganda and tactics. We will fight intruders,” he said, confirming the rally remains on schedule.

In another Facebook post today, Zamri said the rally has no connection whatsoever to Modi (Indian Prime Minister Modi, who is visiting Malaysia this weekend) or Todi!”

“It also has no link to RACE or RELIGIOUS sensitivities! Therefore, do not associate us with matters that are unrelated! ON, today at 8pm at the SOGO KL compound,” he said.

The Home Ministry announced that police would meet organisers to persuade them to cancel the protest, citing security concerns. The timing coincides with Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Malaysia beginning Sunday, raising sensitivities around public gatherings.

“We urge members of the public not to hold or participate in any public gathering throughout the period of the visit,” the ministry stated.

Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stressed that Prime Minister Datuk Seeri Anwar Ibrahim would not allow any party to jeopardise national security during the high‑profile diplomatic event, underscoring the administration’s firm stance on maintaining stability throughout the visit. — Focus Malaysia