12
Apr 2023
14:21 UTC
Malaysia Tactical: US Embassy issues alert for protest march on Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur at 14:00 (local time) on April 14; maintain vigilance
Please be advised:
- According to an alert issued by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, a protest march is slated to begin from the Tabung Haji building, located on Jalan Tun Razak, at 14:00 (local time) on April 14 and end opposite the Embassy building. Authorities anticipate the demonstration to wind up by 16:00.
- The Embassy’s front entrance will be closed to all pedestrian traffic from 12:00 until the end of the protest.
- While the Embassy authorities have stated that they do not expect the demonstration to turn violent, they mentioned the possibility of the nature of the protest abruptly changing. The alert further reiterated that it is illegal for foreigners to take part in demonstrations, per Malaysian law.
Assessments:
- Based on previous protests held in the vicinity of the US Embassy and the longstanding sensitivities surrounding issues raised at such events, the upcoming demonstration is liable to witness a turnout ranging from the high dozens to low hundreds. The likelihood of a significant turnout is corroborated by the closures announced by the Embassy despite the anticipation of a peaceful protest.
- Nevertheless, Security arrangements will be bolstered along the march route given it will pass through a sensitive area that hosts various government buildings and diplomatic missions besides the US Embassy. The security measures may include the increased deployment of police personnel and barricades along the route and the announcement of temporary traffic diversions.
- There exists a slim possibility of security forces resorting to crowd dispersal tactics should the protesters turn unruly and try to bypass the barricades or security perimeters. Localized travel disruptions are liable during the afternoon hours near the aforementioned locations.
Recommendations:
Those operating or residing in Kuala Lumpur on April 14 are advised to maintain vigilance in the vicinity of the aforementioned areas due to the slated protest and the latent potential for unrest while allotting for travel disruptions.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Medium
AFFECTED AREA
Kuala Lumpur
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Please be advised:
- According to an alert issued by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, a protest march is slated to begin from the Tabung Haji building, located on Jalan Tun Razak, at 14:00 (local time) on April 14 and end opposite the Embassy building. Authorities anticipate the demonstration to wind up by 16:00.
- The Embassy’s front entrance will be closed to all pedestrian traffic from 12:00 until the end of the protest.
- While the Embassy authorities have stated that they do not expect the demonstration to turn violent, they mentioned the possibility of the nature of the protest abruptly changing. The alert further reiterated that it is illegal for foreigners to take part in demonstrations, per Malaysian law.
Assessments:
- Based on previous protests held in the vicinity of the US Embassy and the longstanding sensitivities surrounding issues raised at such events, the upcoming demonstration is liable to witness a turnout ranging from the high dozens to low hundreds. The likelihood of a significant turnout is corroborated by the closures announced by the Embassy despite the anticipation of a peaceful protest.
- Nevertheless, Security arrangements will be bolstered along the march route given it will pass through a sensitive area that hosts various government buildings and diplomatic missions besides the US Embassy. The security measures may include the increased deployment of police personnel and barricades along the route and the announcement of temporary traffic diversions.
- There exists a slim possibility of security forces resorting to crowd dispersal tactics should the protesters turn unruly and try to bypass the barricades or security perimeters. Localized travel disruptions are liable during the afternoon hours near the aforementioned locations.
Recommendations:
Those operating or residing in Kuala Lumpur on April 14 are advised to maintain vigilance in the vicinity of the aforementioned areas due to the slated protest and the latent potential for unrest while allotting for travel disruptions.