Frequent Rallies Will Deter Business, Say Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Traders

Making it easier to hold rallies in places like Sogo shopping mall may force shoppers to go elsewhere, say traders around Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya’s plan to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 to make it easier to hold rallies has not gone down well with traders along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, a popular spot for protests and marches in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

Traders met by FMT fear a relaxation in rules for staging rallies could lead to more of such events in the area, driving away customers and disrupting their businesses.

Clothes seller Zailan Mokhtar, 53, called for an end to peaceful assemblies being associated with the street, saying such gatherings deterred shoppers.

“Many shoppers come here with their children. Some bring their elderly parents along.

“Such gatherings, with people holding placards and chanting slogans, can cause anxiety.

“They will look for other places to go if rallies are held here regularly,” he said.

Zailan urged the government to engage with the business community around Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman before amending the Peaceful Assembly Act.

“If they want to help the rally organisers, that’s fine, but let them gather elsewhere,” he said.

Petty trader Zainol Abidin, 38, said they were already struggling with sales, and more gatherings would only worsen the situation.

“If there’s a gathering, small traders could collectively lose up to RM20,000 in a single day. Weekends are crucial for us, as the evening market attracts visitors. If gatherings are held on those days, they will drive the shoppers away,” he said.

Another trader, who wanted to be known only as Addy, called on the government to engage with those doing business in the area.

“There are small and big businesses here. If gatherings become routine after the Act is amended, all will suffer,” said the 40-year-old.

On Feb 13, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government had agreed to amend the law to make it easier for the public to hold gatherings, including by abolishing Section 11 of the Peaceful Assembly Act.

The provision mandates that organisers seek the consent of property owners or occupants before holding an assembly.

The government has since placed a moratorium on the section.

The stretch along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, near Dataran Merdeka, is home to Sogo shopping mall and numerous stores selling a variety of goods.