Protesters from the #KitaLawan group gather to march to KLCC
KUALA LUMPUR: Protesters, most wearing red and black, start their walk to Dataran Merdeka, and later to KLCC, to protest against the Goods and Services Tax.
By 1pm, the protesters, comprising members of opposition parties and non-governmental organisations, were seen arriving at Masjid Negara, Masjid Jamek, Maybank headquarters and Sogo shopping complex in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
They would then walk to Dataran Merdeka and later to KLCC in Jalan Ampang.
Dataran Merdeka and KLCC has been cordoned off while the car park at nearby Dayabumi complex was also closed to the public ahead of the protest march.
Police have said the protesters are not allowed to gather at the field but at the nearby Padang Merbok.
Here is a timeline of the event:
4pm: Seremban MP Anthony Loke and a first batch of protesters arrive at KLCC. Other groups still enroute to KLCC.
3.50pm: A truck carrying social activist A Samad Said manually pulled by protesters after the battery died less than a kilometre from KLCC.
3.30pm: A scuffle almost broke out between the anti-GST protesters and people suspected to be from outside the group at Dataran Merdeka.
The other group, donning black t-shirts and face masks, started waving a black and red flag before setting off flares and fireworks (mercun bola). The group appeared to be provoking the protesters.
A man collapsed while walking to KLCC from an epilepsy attack. He was rushed to KL Hospital.
3.15pm: Those gathered at Central Market start their march to KLCC.
3pm: Protesters arrive at Dataran Merdeka from the other meeting points to start their walk to KLCC where the protest will end.
PAS central committee member Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told the crowd that the public could no longer bear with the rising cost of living in wake of the GST. "We can't be patient anymore," he said.
2.50pm: Four "explosions" within four minutes heard near LRT station near Sogo, at Quill Shopping Mall, Medan Tuanku monorail station and near Dataran Merdeka.
A protester heard saying "what stupid work is this. Will only make the police mad."
The group outside Sogo starts their march. PKR vice-president Tian Chua said the protest "is to send a message to the government on the implementation of GST."
Bersih 2.0 chief Maria Chin Abdullah says many people are against GST. "We should also push the government to implement minimum wages. I'm not saying it because it is Labour Day but we have been demanding this for many years."
2.45pm: Some protesters were seen bringing their children wearing t-shirts and scarves marked 'Anti-GST' and blowing the 'vuvuzuelas' at Sogo shopping complex.
A mother from Johor Baru said she brought her three children because they are affected by the GST.
"My son who is studying in a secondary school said that the canteen food price has increased since GST was implemented.
"My youngest daughter told me that food in her school canteen has also increased. They are also interested in politics. They wanted to come for it and I did not stop them," she said.
Her son also added, "Phone top-up price has also increased. Many youngsters are affected by this. We are here to push the government to abolish GST."
Other protestors who brought their children refused to comment much and only told that their children are also affected by the GST.
2.30pm: Hundreds of protesters march to Dataran Merdeka along Jalan Tun Perak from Jalan Pudu. Many carry DAP flags and anti-GST posters.
A large group starts marching from Masjid Negara after Friday prayers. The group from Masjid Negara is being led by PAS leaders Khalid Samad, Hanipa Maidin and Dr Hatta Ramli, as well as PKR coordinator Fariz Musa.
The march cause significant traffic congestion at the roundabout leading to Jalan Kinabalu. Traffic police officers are on hand to control the situation.
Some were shouting Reformasi and Lawan lawan kita lawan. intermittently. Others carry placards with slogans such as "We fight for a better Malaysia."
Aside from traffic police, members of the PAS volunteer corps Unit Amal assist in monitoring traffic flow and to prevent the crowd from spilling onto the roads.
2pm: Crowd starts to build up after Friday prayers at Masjid Negara and Masjid Jamek.
1.30pm: More people in red arrive at the meeting points.
12.30pm: Barricades seen at Dataran Merdeka and KLCC. More people arrive via trains.
12pm: People, mostly in red, starting to arrive at several locations to take part in the GST protest. Most gather at locations including Masjid Negara, Masjid Jamek, Maybank headquarters and Sogo shopping complex in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
