Cops outnumber protesters at toll hike protest

Scores of police personnel kept watch at the #ShutdownSungaiBesi protest last night, more than double the number of protesters.

At least 200 were sighted along the Sungai Besi toll booths and around the petrol stations on either side, including numerous members of the Light Strike Force.

In comparison, there were only about 100 protesters, who started gathering outside a nearby petrol station on the northbound side of the highway at 11.00pm.

However, one of the protests' leaders, Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin, warned that today's protest is only the beginning.

“The series of protests, demonstrations whether big or small, will continue as long as national leaders don't put the country on the right path,” he told reporters after the protest.

He said there is no telling what the people would do, as anger mounts against the rising cost of living.

'Shutdown Sungai Besi'

To a question why the protest is dubbed the 'Shutdown Sungai Besi' protest even though the toll booths continued to operate normally, Shazni said the protesters are 'not crazy enough' to anger the motorists who were merely trying to reach their destinations.

However, he said a 'shutdown' like the 2000 Kesas highway protest is still possible in the future.

Meanwhile at the protest itself, among the prominent figures who spoke include Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub (photo), Amanah youth chief Sany Hamzan, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) propaganda chief Edy Noor Reduan, and DAP activist Young Syefura Othman.

They not only highlighted the impending toll fare hike for eight highways, but also a range of issues including the rise in cost of living especially when it comes to transportation, the 1MDB scandal, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

Also present was Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin.

The protesters began dispersing slowly and peacefully at about 11.45pm, after the speeches had ended.

The police had previously warned that the protest was unlawful, because it did not submit a notification to the police prior to holding the protest. -Mkini