Why are tents banned at the Palestine solidarity picket?

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Tents Banned at Palestine Solidarity Picket Due to Safety and Security Concerns

Kuala Lumpur police have prohibited the erection of tents at the "Kepung Demi Palestin" picket in front of the United States Embassy. This decision was made to ensure the safety and security of all high commissions and embassies located in the vicinity. The authorities also cited potential violations of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 regarding notification requirements for public gatherings.
Ensuring Safety of Diplomatic Enclaves

The Kuala Lumpur police chief, Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid, stated that the primary reason for disallowing tents is to maintain the safety of all high commissions and foreign embassies in the area. This directive underscores the police's responsibility as hosts to ensure the security of foreign delegations, including the US Embassy, the Singapore High Commission, and the Japanese Embassy. The police are committed to upholding public order and safety for both Malaysian citizens and international representatives.
Adherence to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012

Allaudeen highlighted that assemblies can be deemed unlawful if proper notification is not provided to the police, as stipulated by the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. Section 9(1) of this Act requires organisers to inform the relevant district police officer ten days before an assembly. While the organisers, Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin, expressed uncertainty about having submitted the notification, their spokesman claimed that both the police and the Home Ministry had been informed.
Police Sympathy for the Palestinian Cause

Despite enforcing regulations on the assembly, the police chief expressed sympathy and support for the Palestinian people's struggle. This sentiment was conveyed even as approximately 200 participants were prevented from reaching the US Embassy by a police barricade. The police's stance is to manage public gatherings while acknowledging the underlying cause and ensuring no untoward incidents occur.
Event Context and Organisational Details

The "Kepung Demi Palestin" event, meaning "siege for the sake of Palestine," was planned as a five-day picket concluding on New Year's Eve. The organisers' demands include an end to killings, an immediate truce, aid and protection for civilians in Gaza, and recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state. The event aimed to protest against what organisers perceive as the US's significant financial and military support for actions in Palestine.

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Why are tents banned at the Palestine solidarity picket?

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