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THE ban on the Gerakan Anti Rumah Ibadat Haram rally was imposed after a thorough assessment based on security intelligence gathered by the police, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said on Sunday.
He said the decision was guided by the need to preserve national stability, particularly at a time when Malaysia is hosting visiting foreign dignitaries, and to ensure that public order and safety are not compromised.
“Among the main considerations was ensuring that the country remains stable and that public security is continuously safeguarded,” Fadil told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters.
He stressed that the police had issued a firm warning to all parties not to proceed with assemblies touching on sensitive issues such as religion and race, warning that such gatherings carry the potential to provoke tension and threaten societal harmony.
Fadil said any views or concerns regarding the construction of places of worship should be channelled through lawful and appropriate mechanisms, rather than through street demonstrations.
“If there are cases involving the construction of places of worship on unauthorised land and the police receive a court order, we will provide full cooperation to enforce the law accordingly,” he said.
He added that the police were determined to prevent any elements of provocation or threats to public safety from emerging as a result of such assemblies.
In a related development, Fadil confirmed that several arrests had been made in connection with alleged seditious content posted on social media platforms, including TikTok, which were believed to pose a risk to public order.
Investigations found elements of incitement in several cases, he said, adding that arrests were carried out under Section 41 of the Penal Code.
Fadil also said the decision to disallow the GARAH rally was made following discussions with the organisers, as well as after considering feedback from all relevant stakeholders. - February 8, 2026