Malaysian authorities arrested at least a dozen individuals on Friday in connection with a planned rally in the capital protesting what organizers described as “illegal” houses of worship, police said.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus confirmed that arrests had been made but declined to specify the exact number. Those detained included controversial independent Muslim preacher Zamri Vinoth, who had been promoting the protest under the banner of his self-styled Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement.
The demonstration, scheduled for around 8pm near Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, was intended to highlight long-running and sensitive disputes over unauthorized religious sites, particularly Hindu temples allegedly built on contested or state-owned land. Such issues have periodically stirred inter-religious tensions in Malaysia.
However, the rally did not take place. Police maintained a heavy presence in the area throughout the evening and said the gathering was blocked on security grounds. According to The Straits Times, authorities moved early to prevent any assembly that could inflame communal sensitivities or disrupt public order.
The aborted protest coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Malaysia on Feb 7 and 8, fuelling speculation that the rally carried political undertones. Organisers, however, denied any link to the visit. On Friday evening, Mr Modi attended an Indian cultural programme with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at avenue south of Kuala Lumpur.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Anwar issued a stern warning, saying the government would not hesitate to act against any attempt to undermine public peace during the high-profile visit.
“People are free to express views and criticize,” Anwar said at a political party event. “But if you disturb national security, I will take maximum action.”
The incident underscores the authorities’ heightened sensitivity to issues involving religion and public order, particularly during major diplomatic engagements, as Malaysia seeks to balance freedom of expression with communal harmony.
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