KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 —Police were caught offguard yesterday as protesters gathered at the Parliament building to protest against the recent fuel price hike, and the upcoming implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The group included representatives from Gabungan Bantah Cukai GST, Protes Kenaikan Harga Minyak, Asalkan Bukan Umno, student movements Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia and Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia and Parti Sosialis Malaysia.
KL police chief Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa said they were not informed by the groups that they would hold the rally.
“We have identified the groups and will begin an investigation since they did not apply for a permit to assemble as required under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012,” he said.
“We have yet to make any arrests. However, we will be calling those involved for questioning.”
PSM deputy chairman M. Sarasvathy Muthu, representing the group, handed over a memorandum to PAS’s Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar, who submitted it to two representatives from the Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry — Mohd Zin Zainal and Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club’s Colonel Omar Daud.
On October 1, the ministry announced fuel subsidies would be cut by 20 sen, increasing the prices for RON95 petrol and diesel to RM2.30 per litre and RM2.20 per litre, respectively.
Last month, Putrajaya denied reports that petrol and diesel would be subjected to the GST, with Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan saying the government had not made a final decision on the matter.
