Does a peaceful protest still count as a violation under Act 342?

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A Peaceful Protest Still Constitutes a Violation Under Act 342

Organisers of the #Lawan rally are under investigation by the police for holding the event during the current movement control order (MCO). According to Dang Wangi police chief Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, the rally, organised by Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR), violated Section 10 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342). He clarified that even though the protest was peaceful, it still contravened the regulations prohibiting assemblies and gatherings during the MCO period.
Investigation into #Lawan Rally Organisers

The police are investigating the organisers of the #Lawan rally for holding the event during the ongoing movement control order (MCO). Dang Wangi police chief Mohamad Zainal Abdullah stated that the organisers, identified as Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR), were not permitted to convene a rally given the prevailing pandemic situation. This investigation focuses on the act of organising the assembly itself, irrespective of its conduct.
Prohibition of Assemblies Under Act 342

Mohamad Zainal Abdullah explicitly stated that no protests, assemblies, or gatherings are permitted during the current MCO period. This prohibition is stipulated under Section 10 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342). The legal framework clearly outlines that such activities are disallowed, aiming to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
Peaceful Nature Does Not Exempt Violation

Despite the #Lawan rally being described as peaceful, it still constituted a violation of Act 342. Mohamad Zainal Abdullah emphasized that the peaceful nature of the protest does not exempt it from the legal restrictions. The core issue remains the breach of regulations concerning gatherings during a period of heightened public health concern.
Rally Details and Police Action

Hundreds of participants attended the rally to voice demands concerning the prime minister's resignation and the continuation of parliamentary sittings. While the organisers intended to gather at Dataran Merdeka, police prevented their entry. The participants subsequently gathered in the vicinity and dispersed peacefully around 1 pm without any reported incidents.

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Does a peaceful protest still count as a violation under Act 342?

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