All praise for men in blue
KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi and restaurant associations were full of praise for the professional manner in which the police handled the Bersih 5 and Red Shirts rallies.
Muslim Restaurant Operators Association president (PRESMA) Noorul Hassan Saul Hameed said he did not receive any complaints from his members.
“One thing about the rallies is that restaurants could continue to operate because protesters need to eat and police presence helped to keep an area safe.”
Noorul said protesters belonging to all groups were even able to share tables as the restaurants were mostly packed.
“From before the assembly around breakfast time, up until late afternoon when the crowd started to tone down a little bit, police presence was always there and it made everyone feel safe.”
Noorul said there were a few undisciplined individuals at the two separate rallies but most of them were kept under control by the police.
Taxi Association deputy president Datuk Alias Abdul said the police had the situation under control and were more prepared compared with the previous gatherings.
“Yes, our members lost some income but the police managed to avoid any untoward incidents and for that, we are grateful to them.”
Alias said about 5,000 of the association’s members lost their daily earnings.
“They normally make an average of RM150 to RM200 per person, which is about RM750,000 in total earnings lost.”
Alias said drivers of budget taxis could pick and choose but executive limousines could not operate in other locations, making it harder for drivers to make up for their losses.
Also thankful for the men in blue was housewife Aisyah Amin, 35, from Shah Alam, Selangor, who was here to visit a friend in a hospital.
Although she had to go through three police roadblocks, she did not face any difficulties and felt safe because of the heavy police presence.
“If it was not for my friend in the hospital, I would not have come. I decided to come to the city a bit later in the afternoon after the media reported the crowd had grown smaller.”
KL city worker Zulqarnain Ayob, 36, said he was concerned as he was going to work yesterday but felt relieved when he saw a heavy police presence.
“There was more rubbish but I was able to do my job at ease compared with previous years where I had to leave my equipment near the Masjid Jamek LRT station and had to run for my safety because I was afraid of
in Kuala Lumpur kept their businesses closed Pic by Amirudin Sahib
the crowd. This year, the police were everywhere.”
Abdul Kadir Md Isa, 43, from Klang, said he came to the city to visit his daughter as he was worried for her safety.
“My daughter is studying in the city. My wife and I came here yesterday (Friday) afternoon. Although there was a heavy traffic, we managed
to reach our daughter’s rented home.”
Kadir said he monitored the rally via social media and news broadcasts.
“I saw police everywhere and was prepared for the worst. But I am thankful they had the crowd under control and things did not get out of hand.