The police have advised the people to stay clear of unlawful gatherings, even as spectators.
Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) commander Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohd Ali said they should move away from a gathering immediately if there were signs of the assembly getting out of hand.
When there is a commotion or chaos, the police would not be able to differentiate between participants of a gathering and spectators when they have to take drastic action such as firing tear gas to break up the crowd, he told Bernama.
Abdul Hamid said the term 'illegal gathering' was no longer used after the Peaceful Assembly Act came into force on April 23, 2012, replacing Section 27 of the Police Act.
The Peaceful Assembly Act allowed the people to hold gatherings peacefully after notifying the police 10 days prior to the event instead of having to apply for a police permit as was the case under Section 27 of the Police Act.
Abdul Hamid said that under the Peaceful Assembly Act, the police were only observers and facilitators.
"Nevertheless, the police can act by applying the Criminal Procedure Code and Penal Code against participants of any gathering who break the law," he said.
He said that after the police received notification of the gathering, they would advise the organisers to change the location if it was felt that holding the event there could disrupt public order and the daily routine of the people in the locality.
Abdul Hamid said the law was not intended to cause hardship to the people but to maintain public order and safeguard the rights of the people when a group wanted to use its right to gather peacefully.
"There will be no problem and chaos so long as the participants of the gathering do not break any law and the assembly ends peacefully," he said.
Abdul Hamid said the police had identified several factors which drove an individual to take part in unlawful gatherings, one of which was being unable to fathom what was meant by freedom and the right to assemble.
"They do not understand that in exercising their right to assemble they cannot interfere with the rights of others, such as the people in the locality and passers-by," he said.
Abdul Hamid said those who wanted to emulate the West in clamouring for freedom should realise that the scenario in Malaysia was different and that there were limits to their rights so as to avert chaos.
"Malaysia is a democratic country, of course, but we have laws just like in the western countries to safeguard harmony," he said.
Bernama
Fri Apr 03 2015
Abdul Hamid said the law was not intended to cause hardship to the people but to maintain public order and safeguard the rights of the people when a group wanted to use its right to gather peacefully. - File Photo
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.