Activists protests over rising prices, attempts to march to Dataran Merdeka blocked by police

KUALA LUMPUR – More than 100 protestors gathered at a shopping mall here from 2pm today to send a clear message to the government to protest against the rising cost of living.

The crowd, led by activist Sevan Doraisamy attempted to march from the shopping mall at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman towards Dataran Merdeka but were unsuccessful as police formed a human barricade to block the group from marching forward.

The group who called themselves “Turun Movement” had demanded the government to take action on the rising price of necessities.

At the rally, they were seen carrying placards, banners and black flags which stated 'Five Demands Not Less', 'Potong Gaji Menteri' and 'Turun Harga Barang'.

The protestors also showed placards that read 'Kuasa Rakyat Takkan Dirampas', 'Kekalkan Subsidi', 'Lawak Ke Subsidi' and more.

It was believed that the majority of the protestors comprised of university students who claimed the increase in the price of food as well as how Malaysians had fell into the hand of the wrong government.

Despite being blocked by the police, the crowd had consistently chanted 'Turun turun harga barang', and 'Potong gaji menteri'.

The protest was hosted by Turun Malaysia committee member Amir Abdul Hadi who expressed his utmost disappointment and stressed the ministers’ salary should be cut down to ease the burden of the people.

They had also urged the ministers to resign from their positions if they failed to control the situation.

"They (ministers) don't want to understand people's situation facing the inflation and rise of goods, so we demand them to resign the position," he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor Amanah Youth Chief Abbas Azmi urged the government to look thoroughly into the issues and help the public by stabilising the price of goods.

"We expect the government to help us but what we see today is the government is just playing puppets, politicians are playing politics, ministers' salaries are increasing," he said when met during the protest.

Adding on, PKR Youth Chief Adam Ali said the issues highlighted by the protestors were clear enough for the government to make a firm decision but it was not being heard by the government.

Right after the speech by several youth leaders and student unions, the crowd attempted to walk towards Dataran Merdeka but was stopped by the police.

The police formed a few layers front and back of the protestors to stop them from continuing the rally.

Turun movement members then decided to call off the protest and the crowd dispersed peacefully at 3pm.

Previously, the police had warned the public from joining the rally as it was illegal.