Cops to Penangites: Ignore SMS rumour, things are under control

PENANG: The people are advised to go about their activities as normal today as the police will ensure there is no “unrest of any sort”. 

Acting state police chief Senior Asst Comm I Salleh Mat Rasid said the SMS rumour about a street protest here like the one in Komtar last Friday had caused unnecessary alarm. 

“The authorities have approved two religious celebrations at the Seberang Jaya and Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling mosques for the Maulidur Rasul which are expected to draw about 5,000 people.  

“A total of 400 policemen will be on duty to ensure that they do not turn into political gatherings,” he said yesterday. 

SAC Salleh said there would be smaller gatherings at various mosques which would be closely monitored by the police. 

He said the public should not forward any SMS which could cause panic and warned that they could be arrested under the Internal Security Act. 

“It is best if the public call the Rakan Cop hotline (04-2691999) to check on the real situation. 

“We are also investigating last Friday’s street protest which was attended by a big crowd.”  

The Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling mosque celebration will involve a procession starting from Lebuh Chulia to Lebuh Pantai, Light Street, the Esplanade and back to Lebuh Chulia. 

SAC Salleh said the roads would be closed in stages from 3.30pm till 6pm.  

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng also urged the people not to believe the SMS rumour, adding that they had received police assurance that everything was under control.  

“The celebration will proceed without trouble,” he said. 

--THE STAR