Bersih rally: Singapore High Commission says Singaporeans visiting Kuala Lumpur should take precautions

Chairman Maria Chin Abdullah (second from left) and her committee during a press conference at Kuala Lumpur on Nov 17, 2016. Bersih 5.0 rally will be start at two checkpoints before a march to Independent Square in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 19, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

KUALA LUMPUR - The Singapore High Commission in Malaysia has said that Singaporeans visiting Kuala Lumpur should exercise caution on Saturday (Nov 19), when electoral reforms group Bersih stages a rally demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The High Commission noted "there are also media reports that other groups are planning to stage their own rallies in Kuala Lumpur on the same day", referring to threats of violent counter-protests by pro-government groups like the hardline Red Shirts.

In this regard, Singaporeans visiting Kuala Lumpur during this period are advised to exercise vigilance and take necessary precautions for their personal safety. Singaporeans are also advised to monitor local media for updates and developments related to the rallies, the High Commission said.

The High Commission said the "rally is expected to start from Jalan Bangsar and end around Dataran Merdeka... The Malaysian authorities have indicated that they are making the necessary preparations to manage these rallies and ensure that the situation remains orderly".

Singaporeans in need of consular assistance can call the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur at +6016 6610 400 (24-hours) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours) at +65 6379 8800 / 8855, according to the update.

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